The flu can be deadly, especially for those who are unvaccinated. And children are among the most vulnerable to this highly contagious virus.

To help protect them, Virtua Health is offering free children’s flu shots this fall and beyond. Virtua’s two Pediatric Mobile Services vehicles will bring these important vaccinations to kids in Beverly, Bordentown, Camden, Edgewater Park, Erial, Lindenwold, Pennsauken, Sewell, Williamstown, Voorhees, and other towns across South Jersey.

“During the last flu season, 200 children died from the flu in the U.S., which is a record number,” said Maria Emerson, Virtua’s director of rehabilitation services. “Experts believe that the higher number of deaths was caused in part by fewer people getting their flu vaccines.”

Flu vaccination rates among children have been declining in recent years. About 54% of children were vaccinated last season – about 2.2% fewer than the prior season and 8.5% less than before the COVID19 pandemic.

“Additionally, families in under-resourced communities often have less access to flu shots, compared to other people,” said Emerson. Annually, the flu causes up to 41 million illnesses, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 51,000 deaths.

“Everyone age 6 months and older should get their flu shot in the fall, ideally by the end of October for the greatest protection,” said Emerson. “However, we will continue giving flu shots from now through January, since the flu season typically peaks in the winter.”

Moreover, all New Jersey children between six months and 59 months of age are required to get a flu shot before December 31, 2024, in order to attend any licensed child care center or preschool. (This is an annual requirement by the state.)

Children up to age 8 receiving their first flu shot should receive two doses, four weeks apart, according to the CDC. For all others, only one annual flu shot is needed.

Aboard Virtua’s pediatric vehicles, friendly staff members distract each child with toys and bubbles. All flu shots are given on a walk-up basis, in order of arrival.

In addition to flu shots, Virtua’s Pediatric Mobile Services also provides school and sports physicals, developmental, dental, and vision screenings, health education, and referrals for further testing and treatment. All services are free of charge.

For more information, including a schedule of free flu-shot clinics and other free health events, please visit Virtua.org/MobilePeds or call 609-304-0151.

In addition, child and adult flu shots are available by appointment at:

• Virtua Health primary care practices: 888-VIRTUA-3
• Rowan Medicine Pediatrics: 856-582-0033
• Rowan Medicine Family Medicine: 856-218-0300