2012 Annual Licenses For Dogs and Cats due now!
Pets living with Madison families must be registered before February 1 to avoid a $10.00 late fee. Applications for the 2012 licenses are in the December electric bills or by clicking here.  Registration may be done by mail or in person at the Health Department, 28 Walnut Street, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pets must have current rabies immunity valid through October 31, 2012.

Seasonal Flu Shots
      Madison adults who have not been immunized for this year's flu season may call the Health Department at 973 593 3079 x 1 or 2 to make an appointment to be immunized.Adult residents under age 50 may be immunized only if they have a note from their doctor verifying their chronic illness; seniors do not need a physician’s note.  No appointments are necessary.  The immunizations are free to seniors with a Medicare Part B card and there will be a charge for all others.  All are reminded to wear short sleeves if possible when they come for their flu shot.

  This year seasonal flu vaccine is recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for everyone over the age of 6 months. The CDC states: “Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza and their close contacts, including healthcare personnel and close contacts of children younger than 6 months.  Everyone should get the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine.” Most people are ill with flu for only a few days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized.  Influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly among the elderly.

The 2011-12 flu vaccine offers protection against A/California (H1N1), A/Perth and B/Brisbane, the expected strains of seasonal flu.    It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after the shot and protection may last for up to one year. 

   Since most influenza occurs from November through May, now is the best time to get a flu shot to insure full protection for the whole season. However, vaccinations may be given any time during the flu season.  Some people may still get the flu after being vaccinated, but they will usually get a milder case that those who did not get the shot.  Protect yourself, your family and those in your community by getting your flu vaccine this year.

Madison Health Department Nurses, Flo Rice and Marlene Dolan,  attended the 45th National Immunization Conference March 27-31 in Washington, DC.  More than 1500 attendees from around the U.S. and beyond participated in various workshops and plenary sessions.  Rice and Dolan presented posters describing their vaccine efforts in Madison and contracting communities.  Support for this activity was provided through preparedness grant funding. Click on picture above to see larger version and second image.

• The Health Department has free Tdap vaccine available for those with no health insurance.
• Other vaccines available include shingles and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
• Call the Health Department at 973-593-3079 x 9 for more information.

Preparing for Emergencies: Check out these two helpful publications from the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services for what you can do to prepare your home and family for an emergency situation.  Click for "The Public Health Guide to Emergency Planning" or "Prepare and Maintain an Emergency Kit". 

All adults up to age 65 are advised to keep their tetanus protection up to date.  Tdap is especially recommended for adults who live or work with young children.

• The Health Department has free Tdap vaccine available for those with no health insurance.
• Other vaccines available include shingles and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
• Call the Health Department at 973-593-3079 x 9 for more information.

Concerned about Bed Bugs? Click here for a Fact Sheet or the CDC's statement.

Monthly Blood Pressure Screening, 2nd Friday of each month, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
   February 10
   March 9
   April 13
   May 11
   June 8    

Immunization Clinics for underinsured or uninsured children
2nd Tuesday of each month by appointment only
Call 973-593-3079x9

Battery Disposal in Morris County 
Click here for appropriate battery disposal recommendations and resources in Morris County.