Ramsey Responds to Outbreak with Weekend Flu Shot Clinic

Amidst a national flu epidemic and local pharmacies and doctors’ offices running out of flu vaccines, the Ramsey Board of Health is sponsoring a flu clinic for borough residents this weekend.

In conjunction with nurses from Hackensack University Medical Center’s HARP Program and the Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission, the Board is hosting a flu shot clinic this Sunday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The clinic is happening at the Ramsey Winters Farmer’s Market, held at Smith School.

Shots are $20, and available to anyone over three years old. Residents over 65 with Medicare are eligible for free shots.

Sally Wiegand of the Ramsey Board of Health said the clinic will give out as many shots as possible in the two-hour period.

“This is basically for anyone who hasn’t been able to get the flu shot yet,” she said. “I know a lot of the local doctors’ offices, pediatricians’ offices and pharmacies are out.”

Both the Walgreens in Ramsey on Franklin Turnpike and the Walgreens on North Spruce Street added automated messages to their answering machines saying they have no more flu shots available, and are unsure when they will be getting any in. A representative of the CVS in Ramsey said the store has no more flu shots, and will not be getting any in.

The Ridgewood Patch reported Tuesday that Valley Hospital began considering transporting patients to other nearby hospitals because of the significant increase in the number of flu-stricken patients. NorthJersey.com recently reported that the flu has reached epidemic levels in New Jersey.

Anyone who wants more information about the Ramsey Flu Shot Clinic can call the Board of Health at 201-825-3400, ext. 245.

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