Residents who may be at an increased risk for influenza related complications include:
- Persons aged 65 and older, with and without chronic health conditions
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Persons aged two to 64 with chronic health conditions
- Children aged six months or older who attend child care or school
- Pregnant women
- Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under six months
Influenza vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, as well as missed work and school, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The flu vaccine has been shown to be life-saving for children by significantly reducing the risk of dying from the flu.
The flu vaccine can be found at a variety of places throughout the community. Please visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ for a list of locations that offer the influenza vaccination. The Summit Board of Health is offering flu vaccinations for residents who are homebound, under- insured or non-insured. For more information, contact the Westfield Health Department at 908-789-4070.