Vaccines And Immunizations In Livingston: Town Releases 2024 Guide

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, the Livingston Health Department has shared information about immunizations for both adults and children and reminds residents to plan ahead for the fall.

Information for Parents of Students

With the new school year approaching, August is a great time to get children up to date with the required immunizations for school. Immunization records for children must be provided prior to their first day of attendance.

Certain vaccines are required for children who are entering a school or daycare program, from those as young as just a few months old to those starting college. Vaccines are an effective way to protect children, their families, and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons from harmful diseases.

Before school starts, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician or a local clinic to get your child up to date on needed vaccines. Vaccines that may be required for college students can vary based on the state and university guidelines; check with the university to see what is required.

For more information about immunizations that are required for students in Pre-K through 12th grade or who are enrolled in a daycare program, visit the New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease Service website at nj.gov/health/cd and click Immunization Requirements.

Flu Vaccine

Don’t forget that flu season will be starting soon and can extend all the way until May. However, you can get the flu any time of year.

An influenza vaccine is recommended for those six months and older and can help prevent the flu. In New Jersey, an influenza vaccine is required (unless a child has a valid exemption) for children from 6 months to 59 months of age who attend either a preschool or daycare program.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year, which can lower your risk. Influenza can be very serious and lead to complications, hospitalization, and even death. While those who get a flu vaccine can still get the flu, they are more likely to get a milder case and to not experience complications from the flu due to the protection the vaccine provides. It takes about two weeks to develop immunity after you receive the flu vaccine.

The Livingston Health Department offers flu vaccines to adults who are 18 years of age and older. The Livingston Health Department offers both the standard trivalent influenza vaccine and the high dose influenza vaccine, which is licensed for those 65 and older.

Information about the dates and times of the Livingston Health Department flu clinics will be announced soon in the West Essex Tribune, on Facebook.com/LivingstonTownshipNJ, and on livingstonnj.org/Health.

Homebound residents who wish to receive a flu vaccine at home should contact the Nursing Division of the Health Department at 973-535-7961 ext. #7108 or #7109.

Vaccines for Adults

Immunizations are not just for children — they also provide adults with protection against various diseases.

In addition to the influenza vaccine, there are other immunizations that can protect adults from various diseases. It is recommended that adults 50 and older receive the shingles vaccine and adults over 65 receive a pneumococcal vaccine. Adults with certain medical conditions may be recommended to receive the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines at a younger age.

Additionally, a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 75 and adults between the ages of 60 and 74 who are at a greater risk for severe RSV. Adults 60 to 74 who are at a greater risk include those with chronic heart or lung disease, certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

Talk to your health care provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you and the timing of your immunizations, as you may need a booster or you may not be up to date on certain vaccines.

Covid-19 Vaccines

It is anticipated that a new Covid vaccine booster offering protection against the omicron sub-variants that are circulating will become available this fall. Check the CDC’s website at cdc.gov or contact your health care provider to see if it is recommended that you receive any additional doses or booster doses of a Covid vaccine.

Traveling

If you plan to travel internationally, be sure to find out which immunizations are recommended in advance of your trip. Diseases that are not common in the United States can be common in other countries.

If there are any immunizations you may need for your trip, be sure to schedule your appointment with a health care provider at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure. This will allow time for you to develop the immunity you need after receiving a vaccine for travel.

For information about what vaccines you may need for your trip, visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website at cdc.gov/travel.

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