Livingston Health Department Shares Tips During Immunization Awareness Month

LIVINGSTON, NJ — In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, the Livingston Health Department (LHD) has shared the following 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, the LHD says 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.

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Certain vaccines are required for children entering a school or daycare program, from those as young as just a few months old to those starting or returning to college. According to the LHD, 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, the LHD encourages residents to make an appointment with their child’s pediatrician or a local clinic to get their children up to date on needed vaccines. According to the LHD, vaccines required for college students can vary based on the state and university guidelines. The LHD urges families to check with the university to determine the requirements.

For more information about immunizations that are required for students in Pre-K through 12 ^th grade or who are enrolled in a daycare program, visit nj.gov/health/cd and click “Immunization Requirements.”

Flu Vaccine

The LHD reminds residents that flu season will be starting soon and can extend all the way through until May. However, people can also get the flu any time of year.

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According to the LHD, 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 for children from six months to 59 months of age who attend either a preschool or daycare program.

One of the best ways to be protected from the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year, which can lower the risk, according to the LHD. Influenza can be very serious and lead to complications, hospitalization and even death in some cases.

Although those who get a flu vaccine can still get the flu, the LHD says they are more likely to get a milder case and less likely to experience complications from the flu due to the protection the vaccine provides. According to the LHD, it takes about two weeks to develop immunity after receiving the flu vaccine.

The flu and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, although they are caused by different viruses. If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact your health care provider, who can determine what is causing your symptoms through testing.

The LHD offers flu vaccines to adults who are 18 years of age and older and will be offering both the standard quadrivalent influenza vaccine and the high dose influenza vaccine, which is licensed for those 65 and older. Information about the dates and times of the LHD’s flu clinics will be announced as details become available.

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 ext. 7109.

Vaccines for Adults

The LHD reminds residents that immunizations are not only for children, as they also provide adults with protection against various diseases.

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

Residents are encouraged to speak to a health care provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for them and the timing of their immunizations, as a booster may be needed or certain vaccines may not be up-to-date.

COVID-19 Vaccines

It is anticipated that a new COVID-19 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 a health care provider to see if it is recommended to receive any additional doses or booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Traveling

Residents traveling internationally are encouraged to find out which immunizations are recommended in advance of their trip. According to the LHD, diseases that are not common in the United States can be common in other countries.

Anyone in need of immunizations prior to the trip should schedule an appointment with a health care provider at least four-to-six weeks prior to his or her departure. This will allow time to develop the immunity needed after receiving a vaccine for travel.

For information about what vaccines may be needed for a trip, visit cdc.gov/travel .

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