WEST MILFORD The West Milford Health Department will hold flu clinics in order to provide residents with ample opportunities to get protected against the flu and pneumonia. However, this year flu vaccine will be administered by appointment only. In addition, only those recommended for inoculation by the Center of Disease Control will be administered the vaccine at this time. Those who pay must use a check or money order. The fee for the flu vaccine is $12 and $25 for pneumonia. Those who use Medicare part B as their primary insurance will receive the vaccine at no cost. Two types of flu vaccine are available throughout the country. However, the West Milford Health Department will use the injectable form of the “dead virus” vaccine as opposed to the “live virus” vaccine, which is sprayed into the nose. The dead virus is most commonly used. The “live virus” can be available through your private physician. It takes approximatelytwo weeks to develop immunity after inoculation with the injection. This immunity may protect you for a year. Unfortunately, for some, it is still possible to contract the flu but it may be a milder case. Only those individuals in the following groups should be vaccinated at this time. Persons aged over 65 years with co-morbid conditions Persons aged over 65 years without co-morbid conditions Residents of long-term-care facilities Persons aged 2-64 years with co-rmorbid conditions Children aged 6-23 months Pregnant women Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care Household contracts and out-of-home caregivers of children ages less then 6 months. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for children ages 2 years and over with chronic illnesses and for those children who are at risk of serious complication from the flu. According to the CDC, adults ages 65 and over and those with chronic illness will benefit from the vaccine. You must have an appointment. Please call the nurses’ to schedule at 973-728-2725. The second flu clinic will be held on: Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Hillcrest Gymnasium, 1810 Macopin Road