FLU VACCINE      Seasonal Flu causes 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. The seasonal flu vaccine is the most effective way residents can protect themselves from the virus. Getting the flu shot before flu season starts is the best way to protect yourself. A new flu vaccine is made each year because the flu virus tends to change each flu season. For this reason it is necessary to get a flu shot every year. To give your body time to build the proper defense, it is important to get the flu shot from September through November before flu season starts. Although side effects from flu shots are slight for most people, there may be brief, low-grade fever and some minor aches and pains. You cannot get flu from the flu shot. The best place to get your flu shot is your doctor’s office. However, the Health Department holds flu clinics each Fall to help ensure that as many of our residents as possible receive this vaccine. More specific information will be posted as our clinic approach. In the meantime, never hesitate to call the Health Department at 973-838-5403 x5 with any questions.