The clinics will take place at the Health Department Clinic, 2nd floor in City Hall, and are by appointment only. Appointments will be given to Clifton residents only. All dates are tentative and subject to change.

Medicare (Part B), Medicaid, and Food Assistance Program cover flu and pneumonia vaccines. Individuals covered by Medicare - Part B, Medicaid, or the Food Assistance Program must bring their card to receive the vaccinations free of charge. Otherwise the flu vaccine is $20 and the pneumonia vaccine is $30. The pneumonia vaccine will be administered according to CDC guidelines only. Clifton Board of Education employees will be charged $15 for the flu shot and $20 for the pneumonia shot.

Lori Ann DiRienzo, health educator for the City of Clifton says, "Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by the CDC that certain people should get vaccinated each year. These are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications, such as children aged 6 months until their fifth birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk of developing complications from the flu include household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) and healthcare workers. Examples of people at high risk of having serious flu complications are those who have diabetes, a heart condition, asthma, chronic lung diseases such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other serious medical problems make them at high risk for flu and pneumonia."

The flu vaccination is effective for only one year, so last year’s flu shot will not protect you this year. The pneumonia vaccine, however, is generally only given once, depending on the individual’s age. "It is important that people realize they cannot get the flu or pneumonia from the vaccines; however, people who are allergic to eggs should consult their physician before getting vaccinated," DiRienzo said.

Participants must pre-register by calling 973-470-5758. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you should receive this vaccine, consult your private physician prior to calling the Health Department for an appointment.