PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
January 31, 2018

Shereef Elnahal
Acting Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

NJ Principal Deputy Commissioner Health Receives Flu Vaccination

Reminding Residents: It is Not Too Late to Vaccinate

Today, New Jersey Principal Deputy Commissioner of Health Jackie Cornell received her flu vaccination during a visit to Eric B. Chandler Health Center in New Brunswick. Deputy Commissioner Cornell spoke to patients and staff of the health center about the importance of getting vaccinated and steps they can take to prevent the spread of flu.

 

“It is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, but it can last as late as May,” Cornell said. “Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccination this season.”

 

Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu. Those at high risk include:

  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • People 65 years of age and older
  • Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks after end of pregnancy
  • American Indians and Alaskan Natives
  • People who have medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes

 

Flu vaccination should also be a priority for those persons who live with or care for individuals at higher risk for influenza-related complications. This includes healthcare personnel and household contacts of children less than six months of age, since these children are too young to receive the flu vaccine.

 

It is also important to cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching hands to mouth, nose and eyes, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when sick. If you do get sick, ask your healthcare provider if antiviral medications are right for you. These medications can shorten the length of time you are sick.

 

For more information about influenza, including where to find vaccine, visit the Department’s flu website at http://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml.

 

The Department collects information on flu-like illness weekly from a sampling of healthcare providers to assess flu activity in the state. Weekly surveillance reports can be found at: http://nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/flu-stats/.

 

The Department has been sharing materials with its partners across the state on flu prevention, including the New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Children and Families and the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

 

 Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth and Snapchat @njdoh.

Last Reviewed: 1/31/2018