Next low-cost clinic:  June 15 in Basking Ridge

Are you and your family up-to-date on your vaccinations?  Now is a good time to review your immunization schedule and get necessary shots. 

The Somerset County Department of Health, as part of the Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership, is offering a low-cost community-vaccination clinic to Somerset County residents on Wednesday, June 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bernards Township Community Center.  The clinic is located at 289 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. A suggested donation of $10 per vaccination is requested.

Youth between the ages of 11 and 21 can receive the meningitis (Menactra) vaccine and individuals ages 11 to 64 can receive the tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis (TDaP) vaccination.  A parent or guardian must be present for children under 18.

Appointments for the low-cost clinics can be scheduled online by visiting www.greatersomersethealth.org or by calling (908) 204-2520.

In addition to the low-cost clinic, the Somerset County Department of Health, in cooperation with the Community Visiting Nurse Association, is offering FREE immunization for meningitis and tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis at Somerset County Department of Health-sponsored clinics in Bridgewater , Franklin Township and North Plainfield .  Contact the Community Visiting Nurse Association at (908) 725-9355 for dates and times.

Somerset County residents can take advantage of free vaccinations while supplies last.  Vaccinations are given by appointment only. 

Vaccinations are important to prevent communicable diseases that can easily spread from person to person. Meningococcal vaccineprotects againstinvasive meningococcal disease, which is a serious - and sometimes fatal - illness that can infect the blood and cause meningitis. Proof of this vaccine is often required for college freshman who reside in dormitories.

The tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap) vaccine is an improved tetanus booster that now contains a dose of pertussis vaccine to protect children from whooping cough.  Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads easily from teens and adults to children who are too young to be fully protected by vaccination.  Whooping cough can lead to a cough so severe that it causes vomiting or broken ribs.  Occasionally whooping cough can be fatal.

For information about adult and childhood immunizations  and Somerset County Department of Health clinics, call (908) 231-7155 or visit online at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.