DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH

In addition to seasonal flu shots, the Division of Public Health provides the following vaccinations for adults 50 years and older
at no charge for residents without insurance and those whose insurance does not cover these vaccines.

Call 645-5933 to schedule an appointment in Northfield or Hammonton.

Pneumococcal: Pneumonia causes more than 40,000 deaths in the United States each year, many of which could be prevented by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Everyone 65 or older needs to get this one-time vaccination, as well as those younger than 65 who smoke or have chronic health conditions such as asthma, lung and heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. This vaccination is also covered under Medicare Part B.  

Zoster (shingles): Recommended for everyone 60 and older, shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that affects more than 1 million Americans each year. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover this one-time vaccination, but coverage amounts and reimbursement rules vary depending on where the shot is given. Be sure to check your plan. If you aren't covered, you can expect to pay $150 to $250.

Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis): A one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine, which covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), is recommended to all adults. If you have had a Tdap shot, you should return to getting a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. Most private health and Medicare Part D plans cover these vaccinations, but if you have to pay, they cost $20 to $100.

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella): Anyone born in 1957 or later who is unsure about their immunization history should receive the MMR shot. A blood test can tell whether someone has had any of these diseases or has received the MMR vaccine, but a test costs about $100. If you're unsure about your immunity, getting a booster shot is more cost-effective (about $50 and is usually covered by insurance) and isn't harmful, even if you're immune.

Hepatitis A: This is a two-dose series of shots recommended to adults 50 and older who have chronic liver disease, a clotting-factor disorder, have same-sex male partners, illicit injectable drug use, or who have close contact with a hepatitis A-infected individual or who travel to areas with a high incidence of hepatitis A. These shots are $60 to $300, but are covered by most health and Medicare prescription drug plans.

Hepatitis B: This three-dose series is recommended to adults 50 and older who are on dialysis, have renal disease or liver disease, are sexually active with more than one partner, have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. These vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B.

Meningitis: Adults 55 and younger who have never been vaccinated, have had their spleen removed, have certain blood deficiencies or plan to travel to parts of the world where meningitis is common should receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Covered by most health and Medicare Part D plans, this shot will cost $100 to $150 if you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Varicella (Chickenpox): Adults who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine are just as likely to develop chickenpox as children. Chickenpox complications are more likely to occur in adults than in children. Despite the fact that adults account for only 5 percent of chickenpox cases per year, they account for a disproportionate number of deaths (55 percent) and hospitalizations (33 percent) compared to children. Covered by Medicare Part D.