County To Kick Off Drive-Thru Flu Shot Series In Collingswood

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — Camden County will kick off its series of drive-thru flu shot events in Collingswood on Oct. 2 and 3, county officials announced on Thursday. It will take place in the Scottish Rite parking lot, 315 White Horse Pike, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

The county will use a series of drive-thru events this fall as it attempts to follow social distancing guidelines while battling the coronavirus and preventing the flu simultaneously.

Camden County officials announced the full schedule of drive-thru flu shot clinics on Thursday, saying that limiting the spread of seasonal influenza is “critical to protecting public health in Camden County this fall.” Read more here: Flu Shots More Important Than Ever Amid Pandemic, Virtua Says

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“It is always important for our residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated, but with our battle against COVID-19 still in full effect, it is especially important in 2020,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Health Department, said. “The flu is a dangerous illness, just like COVID-19, and patients frequently require hospitalization for treatment. A sudden surge in flu-related hospitalizations could reduce our health care system’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients and endanger folks who would otherwise be treatable. We can save lives and keep our hospital beds open by preventing and limiting the spread of the flu, and that starts with as many residents as possible receiving their flu shot.”

Flu shots are also recommended for people with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, or with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or blood disorders. Children aged nine and older must be accompanied by an adult. Children under nine require two shots, a month apart, and should be seen by a pediatrician. Parents of uninsured children can call CamCare at 856-541-9811 or the Bellmawr Health Center at 856-931-2700.

“Widespread vaccination dramatically reduces flu cases, protecting vulnerable residents and limiting the stress put on our health care system,” Rodriguez said. “If we are going to protect one another this fall, then flu shots will be as important a tool for our community as mask wearing and social distancing. Please find a flu shot site in your municipality and make plans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

For more information, contact the county Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-999-9045, or visit www.camdencounty.com.

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