CONTACT: Julie Willmot
(609) 278-7137

TRENTON, N.J.—The H1N1 vaccine is now widely available for Mercer County residents, according to the County Health Department and its partner Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton.

More than 2.5 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been shipped to providers around New Jersey, and residents are urged to contact their personal physician or another provider to receive the vaccine.

“Although you might think the dangers of H1N1 have passed, flu viruses are very unpredictable. Right now, there is a window of opportunity for more people to get vaccinated and I encourage residents, especially those most at risk, to schedule a vaccination appointment,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

Certain segments of the population are more susceptible to contracting the H1N1 virus than others. These individuals are especially encouraged to receive an H1N1 vaccination.

Target groups are:

• Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant
  
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
  
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
  

Finding a flu shot:

The following tools may be helpful for New Jerseyans seeking an H1N1 flu shot:

• The DHSS website has two flu shot locators to help individuals find public health clinics that are being planned and will be announced when vaccine is available, as well as to find clinics with scheduled dates.
  
• Contact your physician, community health center, local pharmacy, local or county health department, hospital or school. Many doctors, health clinics and schools are providing vaccine to their patients and students, while local health departments, pharmacies and some hospitals are offering clinics to the public.
  
• Call New Jersey’s H1N1 Information Hotline - 1-866-321-9571