Sussex County - News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Herbert J. Yardley, Administrator/Health Officer
Department of Environmental and Public Health Services
973-579-0370 Ext. 1245

Sussex County to Use High Tech System in Delivering Flu Vaccines

The influenza (flu) season will soon be upon the residents of Sussex County and planning is underway at the Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services. The Department wants you and your family to be protected from flu outbreaks this season and is urging all County residents to have a flu vaccination as part of their effort to stay healthy and well. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting yourself and your family against the flu. There are also everyday actions that you can take to help prevent the spread of the flu, such as washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you are sick.

The Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services, Office of Public Health Nursing will once again provide the flu vaccine to County residents, but this year, with a twist. If you are afraid of needles, then you are not alone. For the 2009-2010 flu season, the Department will also be offering needle-free (no needle) vaccinations using the PharmaJet Needle-free Injection System, as an option for residents at selective clinic sites. This needle-free injection system delivers vaccines by means of a narrow, high speed fluid jet, which penetrates the skin and delivers the vaccine to the body. Although the system is needleless, there are no claims that the PharmaJet Needle-free Injection System is pain-free.

There are many benefits in using this new technology. The system may be used for vaccinating both children and adults and eliminates the problem of dosage error that can be a concern when using traditional methods. Injections given with the PharmaJet system are delivered with safety in mind for the receiver as well as the health care worker. Another benefit is that the system is environmentally friendly due to a reduction in the amount of medical waste normally generated by vaccinations.

Chief John Swanson, of the Hopatcong Police Department, volunteered to receive his annual flu shot using the PharmaJet system. On Tuesday, September 15th, Chief Swanson rolled up his sleeves to participate in a demonstration on how the "needle-free injection system" works during a monthly Chief of Police meeting. Many of the police departments in Sussex County have agreed to use this system to vaccinate their employees. For further information and flu clinic availability, visit our web page at www.sussex.nj.us/health or call 973-579-0570 x 1211.