Offline
My Badges
Create The Good
Create The Good
Background
Location:
Princeton, New Jersey
United States
My Websites:
www.aarp.org/nj
Quote:
"What we do, we do for all" -Ethel Percy Andrus

About Me

We are the AARP New Jersey State Office, located in Princeton. AARP New Jersey supports community service programs that have a positive impact on individuals and in communities around the state. We also advocate for members and their families on issues including health care and financial security at both the state and federal levels, and engage in voter education activities. We work closely with community leaders, the New Jersey state legislature and our federal representatives to bring positive social change to the Garden State. We invite all our members to get involved and become e-activists. Help us grow and become stronger advocates in the state and on Capitol Hill. Send us an email at aarpnj@aarp.org and tell us you want to join our e-activist network

Interests:
Health Care Reform, Long-Term Care, Identity Theft Prevention, Health Care Quality, Aging with Dignity, Prescription Drug Affordability, Preventable Medical Errors, Driver Safety, Tax Preparation Services through AARP's IRS-trained Tax-Aide Volunteers, and other consumer issues

My Photos (15)

My Videos (1)

My Journals (13)

 

Protect yourself from the flu, get vaccinated

By Dr. Susan Walsh

 

Don’t take a chance with your health, get vaccinated.

 

Now that H1N1 vaccine is plentiful in New Jersey, everyone should protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated. Vaccination is our best tool to prevent influenza and stay healthy.

 

Although flu activity is decreasing in our state, we must not become complacent.

Influenza virus is very unpredictable.   Unlike seasonal flu which peaks in January and February, H1N1 influenza is a pandemic flu.  Pandemic influenza typically comes in waves. 

 

Millions of Americans have already been safely vaccinated against H1N1, significantly decreasing their risk of becoming ill. H1N1 can cause serious illness and, like all flu viruses, can cause death. Although most cases of H1N1 flu have been mild, there have been 42 H1N1-related deaths in New Jersey as of the end of January.

 

This year the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is urging residents to getting vaccinated against both seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza. 

 

Under the leadership of Gov. Chris Christie, the Department of Health and Senior Services continues to monitor flu activity in our state closely so that we can be prepared for any possible changes in flu viruses circulating. 

 

There has been a significant increase in H1N1 vaccine availability in New Jersey. More than 2.6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been distributed to 1,450 county and local health departments, physicians, community health centers, hospitals, businesses, pharmacies and colleges.

 

Although New Jersey is now offering H1N1 vaccine to the general public, the Department continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination for those in target groups because they are at higher risk for complications of H1N1. Young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions that compromise their immune systems—like cancer, AIDS, asthma and diabetes--are more susceptible to serious complications from influenza.

 

To find vaccine near you, residents can visit the DHSS website, nj.gov/health and use flu shot locators to find a health department that is offering vaccination.  Residents can also check with their doctors and local pharmacies to see if they have the H1N1 vaccine available.

 

Residents can help stop the spread of flu by practicing common sense measures like covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, staying home if you are sick and a receiving a H1N1 flu shot.

 

All New Jerseyans should stay informed regarding H1N1 influenza. Residents can visit nj.gov/health for weekly updates on H1N1 influenza or they can call the H1N1 Call Center at 1-866-321-9571.

 

Additionally, the public can receive updated information by following DHSS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NJFlu and becoming a fan of the DHSS’ H1N1 Resource page on Facebook.  Individuals who follow the Department on Twitter can receive messages on their Twitter account or cell phone text messages several times a week with information regarding H1N1 influenza, including videos, tips on staying healthy and vaccine-related information.  The Department’s Facebook page also offers a wide range of information, including videos, audio clips, posters, flyers, press releases and updates on H1N1 influenza.

Added: February 2, 2010
Views: 21 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Welcome Aboard the new AARP web site!
Come on in and bring your friends! Put up your favorite photos, join the groups, and let us know what is going on in New Jersey, the Garden State!!

If you need any assistance in navigating the site, please let us know!
AARP Community Host
Posted: January 16, 2008 1:45PM EST
Add your Comments:

  Submit