Community Corner
Horizon NJ Health Mobile Health Units to Offer Flu Vaccinations
Horizon NJ Health, a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, has announced that it is taking wellness on the road by offering its entire member population, over the age of 19, free influenza vaccinations aboard the Horizon NJ Health Care-A-Van.
Vaccinations will be administered at select Care-A-Van locations by a Horizon NJ Health nurse or licensed health care professional. Appointments or reservations are not necessary for the shot. The Care-A-Van’s flu shots have been scheduled at:
January 30
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Bergen County Housing, Health, Human Service Center
120 South River Street
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Hackensack
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
The times and locations for other Care-A-Van flu shots are still to be determined but will be posted on the Horizon NJ Health webpage for events.
“By offering flu vaccinations through our Care-A-Vans, we are providing members with a convenient option of where they can receive the shot,” said Karen L. Clark, Vice President, Medicaid, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, President, Horizon NJ Health. “Our self-contained mobile health units offer superior privacy and convenience by bringing such services as medical screenings and others to the neighborhoods where our members live.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than half of the nation’s population receives an annual influenza vaccination. The estimated adult flu vaccination coverage during the 2011 flu-season was 45%, an increase from 41% the previous
season.
“Influenza is dangerous and does not discriminate,” commented Philip M. Bonaparte, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer, Horizon NJ Health. “Anyone who is not vaccinated can get it and spread it. Even though you may not feel sick, getting a flu shot helps protect your family, your community and those who are more at risk, such as young children and the elderly. While the number of children and adults receiving the vaccine is increasing annually, the overall number of individuals getting vaccinated remains relatively low.”
For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, talk to your health care provider or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.