The Daily Newarker — Press Wire

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE H1N1 FLU SHOTS AT SITES ACROSS CITY

ON DIFFERENT DATES, DECEMBER 9 THROUGH DECEMBER 21

Priority will be given to pregnant women, caregivers of infants and persons

aged 6 months through 24 years; Both nasal and injection forms of vaccination will be offered

Newark, NJ – December 8, 2009 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Child and Family Well-Being Director Maria E. Vizcarrondo announced today that the City of Newark will issue free H1N1 Flu (also called “Swine Flu”) vaccinations at five sites across Newark on five separate days, between Wednesday, December 9, and Tuesday, December 21, between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on each day.

“H1N1 flu is impacting our world, nation, and state,” Mayor Booker said. “However, we have joined with our federal and state partners to ensure that we are prepared to address any outbreaks of H1N1 flu in Newark. I urge residents to take advantage of this vaccination program, and to stay informed, be prepared, and to remain calm. Take the same precautions you would use against ordinary flu – cover your mouth when you sneeze, use a tissue, and wash your hands.”

Persons interested in receiving the vaccine should pre-register by contacting the City’s Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311. Further H1N1 vaccination clinics throughout the City will be announced at a later date.  Details for the vaccinations are as follows:

Wednesday, December 9   La Casa De Don Pedro – Health Fair      42 Park Avenue

Franklin Elementary School


10:00am – 2:00pm*

Thursday, December 10   Ironbound Community Corporation         432 Lafayette Street

Wednesday, December 16  South Ward Senior Citizens              731 Clinton Avenue

Thursday, December 17   Department of Child and Family  394 University Avenue

                                Well-Being                             

Tuesday, December 21            Newark Community Corporation    274 South Orange Avenue

During these clinics, the City will administer both the nasal and injection forms of the vaccine. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the Department will vaccinate individuals in the following priority areas:

·               Pregnant women


·       Caregivers of children younger than 6 months


·       Health Care & EMS personnel


·       Persons aged from 6 months through 24 years


·       Persons aged 25 through 64 years with medical conditions associated with higher risk of influenza complications.

“Newark residents need to get this flu shot to ensure their physical health and well-being during this season. We encourage all Newark residents to take advantage of this service. Protect yourself, your children, and your community by doing your part to reduce the spread of H1N1 Flu,” said Director Vizcarrondo.

Director Vizcarrondo explained H1N1 flu, its symptoms, and its treatment, as follows:

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include:

·       Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)


·       Sore throat


·       Stuffy nose


·       Cough


·       Chills


·       Headache and body aches


·       Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 Flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

To prevent the spread of H1N1 flu:

·       Avoid contact with ill persons.


·       When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Dispose of all used tissues in a trash can.

·       After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.


·       If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others. Stay at home. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.

·       Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu that a doctor can prescribe.

The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected. For more information concerning H1N1 flu infection, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has also opened up a 24-hour toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. That number is 1-866-321-9571.

Newark is one of a few municipalities nationwide that provides uninsured City residents access to affordable, quality healthcare. Extensive services include but are not limited to pediatric care, an adult medical practice, communicable disease control and prevention, a dental clinic, a LEAD prevention program that provides a continuum of care including inspections, abatements, case management and interim housing, health care for the homeless, and a WIC program. These services are largely supported by local, state and federal funding including philanthropic organizations, such as the world-renowned Kresge Foundation, which has contributed $1.5 million in funding to support the City of Newark’s “Getting the Lead Out” initiative.

For more information about influenza and vaccination programs, contact the Department of Child and Family Well-Being’s Division of Surveillance and Prevention at (973) 733-7592. For questions about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

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