The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) will begin vaccinating against the H1N1 influenza virus today. The Health Department received its first shipments of vaccine towards the end of last week and immediately had clinics coordinated for this week, stated Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Health Department. “No H1N1 vaccine providers were given exact dates that they would be receiving vaccine, but the OCHD has been working on its plans to distribute vaccine since vaccine production began over the summer. The staff is ready to begin its clinics beginning this morning.” 

Ella Boyd, VMD, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, stated, “Due to limited amounts of vaccine, the OCHD will begin to distribute the vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended groups at highest risk for serious illness or death from H1N1 influenza. As more vaccine is produced, additional groups will be added; eventually anyone wishing to be vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza virus will be able to do so.” Dr. Boyd added, “OCHD staff are still vaccinating against seasonal flu and we are still encouraging people to get their seasonal flu shot.”

Beginning Monday, October 19^th, appointments can be made to receive the injectable vaccine by calling the Ocean County Health Department, Monday through Friday, at 732-341-9700, ext. 7502, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “As supplies are still limited”, stated Daniel Regenye, Assistant Public Health Coordinator, “following CDC guidelines, we will be offering this vaccine to pregnant women, children 6 months of age to 59 months, and children from 5 to 18 years of age that have chronic medical conditions.   Residents will be screened by a registered nurse regarding risk factors and educated about the vaccine.”

Regenye continued, “We will be holding two (2) H1N1 nasal flu mist clinics this week. Individuals that can receive the nasal flu mist vaccine, based on current CDC guidelines, are healthy children from 2 through 18 years without chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems. This vaccine is not for those with chronic health conditions or those that are pregnant. It is not recommended for anyone who lives with or has close contact with someone with a weakened immune system. A screening process with a registered nurse will take place before the administration of the vaccine.

All children under the age of ten years will need a second dose of either the injectable or the nasal flu mist in approximately one month.     

Any child under 18 years must have a parent or guardian sign a consent form for either vaccine.

Leslie Terjesen, OCHD Public Information Officer, stated that the first nasal flu mist clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 21^st at Southern Regional High School Eleven/Twelve Building Cafeteria, located at 90 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Manahawkin, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The second one will be held on Thursday, October 22^nd at the Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Please feel free to call the OCHD with questions at 732-341-9700, ext. 7502 or visit the OCHD website at