Plainfield well prepared for flu season

With the brouhaha over flu vaccine shortages in the 2004 flu season, Plainfield Health Officer Jadwiaga Warwas took careful steps to plan ahead for 2005.

"I understand from Dr. Warwas that she has ordered twice the number of doses as last year," says Mayor Al McWilliams, "so that our vulnerable residents--especially Seniors--will have every advantage for protection from this seasonal scourge."

Owing the the Health Division's foresight, Plainfield was able to offer one of the earliest, if not the earliest flu clinics in central Jersey on Friday, October 28, at the Senior Center. Senior Center Director Sharron Brown had her staff reach out to the Center's membership base, and 43 residents showed up for the clinic.

"This 'early bird' opportunity will protect some of our most vulnerable residents and avoid the anxieties that were caused last year over the shortages of flu vaccine," said Mayor McWilliams.

The city's next shipment of vaccine is expected from manufacturer Chiron the week of November 7, guaranteeing an adequate supply for Plainfielders for this flu season, according to Dr. Warwas.


Those doses will be available through the Plainfield Health Center, future clinics offered by the Health Office, and through private care providers.

Seniors and others in high-risk groups are encouraged to make early arrangements to be vaccinated. The suggested donation is $15.

More information can be gotten from the City's Health Office at (908) 753-3092.

Keywords: Plainfield, health, flu