Annual Health Fair, Influenza Prevention Program

The Wyckoff Board of Health will conducting its annual Health Fair and Influenza Prevention Program from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at the, 422 Cedar Hill Ave.

This year's vaccine will protect from the H1N1 strain of the flu in addition to two other seasonal strains of the virus that will be circulating in the area. Individuals must be 18 years and older to receive an influenza vaccination.

Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for anyone older than 6 months. Seasonal flu is an easily transmittable respiratory disease, the Board of Health said. Each year 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications of the flu, and 36,000 people die every year. The most effective strategy for prevention is annual vaccination, the board said.

As in past years, it will be necessary for those who have Medicare Part B to bring their card to the Influenza Prevention Program in order to receive the vaccination. The Wyckoff Board of Health, through a contract with the Northwest Regional Health Commission will directly bill Medicare. 

For those who are 65 or older and do not have Medicare Part B, the vaccine should be administered by their regular health-care provider. Medicare HMO's will not be accepted. A $25 fee will be charged to those who do not have Medicare Part B.  

In addition, the following resources will be available at the fair: health education; blood pressure screening; pulmonary function testing; glaucoma screening; audiology counseling and information; balance and fall risk assessment; body alignment; oral cancer screening; diabetes screening; home care and community resources; physical therapy counseling; social worker/elder care; mental healthstress management; depression and anxiety disorder screening; and prescription counseling.

For more information, contact the Wyckoff Board of Health at 201-891-7000, ext. 304.