Flu Shots To Become Available In Union County Next Week

SUMMIT, NJ — Free flu shots will be offered at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is encouraging all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year.

People with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.

The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County residents ages nine and up. Children ages four through eight can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received two flu shots, in accordance with guidance from the CDC.

Residents can schedule an appointment online by visiting www.ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829. Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.

“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.”

This year, the free flu shot clinics will also be offering all versions of the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the CDC, it is safe to receive both shots on the same day, if needed.

Read more: New COVID-19 Booster Shot Rolling Out In Union County

The following clinic dates are available:

• Saturday, September 24 at Plainfield High School, Plainfield, 9am-12pm

• Thursday, September 29 at Warinanco Sports Center, Roselle, 3-7pm

• Monday, October 3 at Shady Rest Golf Course, Scotch Plains, 3-6pm

• Saturday, October 15 at Linden Health Fair, 10am-1pm

• Monday, October 17 at Roselle Borough Hall-Council Chambers, 4-7pm

Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence. To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the CDC in English, Spanish, and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).

Masks are also required when visiting one of Union County’s clinics. People who have a fever, coughing, sneezing or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a clinic site.

For additional updates, visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. There is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines.

Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information, call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.