| Free Vaccinations Provided Regardless of Income or Insurance |
Beginning July 26, four important preventative vaccinations will be offered at no cost to county residents, regardless of income or insurance status. The vaccines: Gardasil, Meningococcal, Tdap and Pneumococcal are being provided in limited quantities to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health through the state’s Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Program, funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
To schedule an appointment, Monday through Friday, please call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5933. Vaccinations will be provided in Northfield and Hammonton.
If you have any concerns about specific health conditions that may prevent you from receiving a vaccination, please discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Description of Vaccines
The Gardasil vaccine prevents human papilloma virus (HPV) which can lead to cervical and other cancers in women as well as genital warts in men and women. HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if it is given prior to exposure to the virus. It is routinely recommended for girls 11 or 12 years of age, but can be given as early as 9 years and up to 26 years of age. Males 9 years through 26 years of age may receive the HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts. The vaccine is provided in a three-dose series.
The Meningococcal vaccine provides protection against a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and blood infections which can often be fatal. The vaccine is routinely recommended at 11 or 12 years of age but can be given as early as age 2 for high risk children and through age 55 for high risk adults. An additional dose is recommended five years after the initial vaccine and every five years thereafter for those at continued risk for infection.
Tdap vaccine provides protection against three bacterial disease - tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person while tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. The vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11 to 18 years and for adults under 65 years of age as a replacement for one 10-year tetanus booster. Tdap is particularly important for protecting persons who have close contact with infants.
The “pneumonia shot” prevents pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Pneumonococcal disease can lead to serious and fatal illnesses like pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. This vaccine is routinely recommended for all adults 65 years and older and individuals 2 to 64 years old who have diabetes, heart, lung or liver disease, a weakened immune system or alcoholism. Vaccination is also recommended for persons 19 to 64 years of age who smoke cigarettes or have asthma. A single revaccination may be indicated for certain people. A different pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for healthy children less than 5 years of age.
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