CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE FLU SHOTS FOR RESIDENTS

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE FLU SHOTS FOR RESIDENTS

AT SITES ACROSS CITY STARTING ON OCTOBER 15

Residents must bring proof of address to receive free vaccinations

Newark, NJ R11; October 6, 2011 R11; Mayor Cory A. Booker and Child and Family Well-Being Acting Director LR17;Tanya Williamson announced today that the City of Newark will provide free influenza vaccinations for Newark residents, throughout the City during the months of October, November, and December, starting on October 15. Details of all sites, dates, and times are listed below.

R20;October is the beginning of flu season and during this time, I urge all Newark residents, especially those who suffer from chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease to protect themselves by taking advantage of these free vaccinations. By taking this measure, we can prevent the spread of the flu virus and stay healthier as a community,R21; said Mayor Booker. R20;Protect yourself, protect your loved ones. Get the flu vaccine.R21;

R20;LetR17;s keep Newark healthy, and avoid sick days at work and school absenteeism,R21; said Acting Director Williamson. R20;Our workforce and childrenR17;s education are essential factors in the success and growth of our City and economy. You can contribute to these efforts by maintaining healthy lifestyles and ensuring that your families get the flu shot early to protect their immune systems against the havoc of the influenza virus.R21;

The 2011 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program is provided by the Department of Child and Family Well-Being. Residents seeking the shots must bring proof of address.

The free flu vaccinations will continue to be offered in December as part of National Influenza Immunization Week, an annual event designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of December 2011 and January 2012. During November and December, the Department of Child and Family Well-Being will administer vaccinations at their clinics at 110 William Street, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last year the CDCR17;s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for R20;universalR21; flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.

Newark is one of a few municipalities nationwide that provides uninsured City residents access to affordable, quality healthcare. In addition, the CityR17;s partnership with Heinz Family Philanthropies has resulted in Newark RX and Newark Health Plus, which provide discounted prescription drugs and access to primary medical care. Additional 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 NewarkR17;s R20;Getting the Lead OutR21; initiative.

The health and well-being of NewarkR17;s residents is a priority for the Booker Administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle ObamaR17;s campaign to fight childhood obesity. The City has implemented programs such as the R20;Super Healthy Summer,R21; the annual Newark Bicycle Tour, and public festivals like this yearR17;s Festival de la Familia Latina, which focused on good health practices and nutritious eating. The City has also provided economic grants and loans to stores that sell fresh food, through the Brick City Development CorporationR17;s Fresh Foods Program and Small Grocer Initiative. The R20;LetR17;s Move NewarkR21; campaign promotes healthy lifestyles, nutritious eating, and efforts to help obese people regain control of their health.

For more information regarding the 2011 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program, 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

LIST OF SITES AND DATES FOR FREE FLU SHOTS

Proof of Newark residency is required

10:00 am-1:00 pmNational AIDS Awareness Day

Branch Brook Park

Newark, NJMon. Oct. 17, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmDepartment of Child and Family Well-Being110 William St., Room LL105

Newark, NJTues Oct. 18, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmCity Hall

920 Broad St., Room B-29

Newark, NJWed. Oct. 19, 2011

9:00 am -3:00 pmNorth Ward Cultural Center346 Mt. Prospect Ave.

Newark, NJThu. Oct. 20, 2011

9:00 am -NoonIronbound Senior Citizens

266 Rome St.

Newark, NJFri. Oct. 21, 2011

9:00 am- 3:00 pmUnified Vailsburg Service Organization462 Sanford Ave.

Newark, NJMon. Oct. 24, 2011

9:00 am- 3:00 amNewark Public Library5 Washington St.

Newark, NJTues. Oct. 25, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmBethany Senior Center

275 W. Market St.

Newark, NJWed. Oct. 26, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmSouth Ward

The Leaguers, Inc.731 Clinton Ave.

Newark, NJThur. Oct. 27, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmFellowship Missionary Baptist Church83 Elizabeth Ave.

Newark, NJFri. Oct. 28, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmLa Casa de Don Pedro

23 Broadway

Newark, NJMon. Oct. 31, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmBradley Court Family success Center48 N. Munn Ave.

Newark, NJTues. Nov. 1, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmNew Community Corporation-Adult Learning Center563 Orange St.

Newark, NJWed. Nov. 2, 2011

9:00 am- 3:00 pmDepartment of Child and Family Well-Being110 William St.

Newark, NJThur. Nov. 3, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmGeorgia King Village

Family Success Center250 Georgia King Village

Entrance- West Market Street.

Newark, NJFri. Nov.4, 2011

9:00 am -2:00 pmIronbound Community Corporation432 La Fayette St.

Newark, NJMon. Nov. 7, 2011

9:00 am-3:00 pmFocus Hispanic Center441 Broad St.

Newark, NJNov. 8-Dec. 29, 2011

9:00 am -3:00 pmDepartment of Child and Family Well-Being110 William St.

Newark, NJ

Newark Residents can get the flu shot at any participating site

Proof of residency is needed: personal identification or a utility bill.

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 nationR17;s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, 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. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. 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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