Community Visiting Nurse Association provides flu clinics to the community (age 18 and older) at public sites, corporations, senior centers and at our Community VNA office at 110 West End Avenue in Somerville, NJ, for Somerset and Middlesex residents only. In most locations, no appointment is necessary.
Flu Information
Community Visiting Nurse Association provides flu immunization clinics to the community (age 18 and older) at public sites, corporations, senior centers and at our Community VNA office at 110 West End Avenue in Somerville, NJ, for Somerset and Middlesex residents only. In most locations, no appointment is necessary. See location and times (link to calendar)
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms of flu can include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Typically the flu season occurs in the United States from about November to March. Most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, although some persons get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year in the United States from the flu and related complications, mostly among the elderly.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination every year. Covid-19 symptoms are similar to flu, getting the flu vaccine helps your physician determine the type of illness you may have. About two weeks after the vaccine is received, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infections. Some people who get the flu vaccine may still get a mild case of the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and ACIP (Advisory Commission on Immunization Practices) recommends annual flu shots for any individual 6 months or older and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions who are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. The flu shot is also recommended for the following:
• Persons aged 50 or older
• Residents of assisted living, nursing homes and other group or long term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long term illnesses
• Individuals who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
• Adults and children 6 months and older who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
• Adults and children 6 months and older who need regular medical care or had to be in a hospital because of metabolic diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease or weakened immune system, including immune system problems caused by medicine or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)
• Children and teenagers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are on long term aspirin therapy and therefore +could develop Reye syndrome after having the flu.
The following individuals should NOT get the flu shot:
• Persons allergic to chicken eggs or chicken egg products
• Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and does not have an active, uncontrolled neurological disease
• Anyone allergic to Thimerosal (merthiolate)
• Anyone who has had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
Because young, otherwise healthy children are at increased risk for influenza-related hospitalization, flu shots for healthy children aged 6-23 months are encouraged. Community VNA offers influenza vaccinations only
For more detailed information about recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC website.
Pneumonia Information
Although CVNA is not administering pneumonia vaccine at this time, here is some information you should consider in scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Unlike the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine is not given annually. If you have received it in the past, you will need to contact your physician about when it should be repeated. A general recommendation is to repeat the vaccine in 5 to 10 years.A pneumonia shot is recommended for everyone age 65 and older, even if they have had pneumonia in the past. The vaccine is also recommended for those who have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
Payment for Flu and Pneumonia Immunizations
For those with Medicare as their primary insurance who subscribe to Medicare part B, Medicare will pay for your flu shot. You will need to present your Medicare card at the clinic.
For all others, the cost of a flu shot is $25.00.
Managed Medicare, managed care, Medicaid and private insurances do not cover flu immunizations from Community VNA. We can accept cash or checks (not credit cards) at our flu clinics.
For more information, call our Community Services Coordinator at 908-725-9355, ext. 2201, or contact us via e-mail.