Flu season is getting off to an early start in New Jersey, and health officials are encouraging Ocean County residents to get vaccinated as influenza cases continue to climb across the state.

The Ocean County Health Department is offering numerous flu vaccination clinics throughout November and December, making it easier for residents to get their seasonal flu shots at convenient locations throughout the county.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, flu cases nearly doubled during the week leading up to Halloween. The state recorded 2,508 flu cases for the week ending October 31, compared to 1,283 cases the previous week.

Health officials say influenza activity is currently higher than it was at the same time last year. Hospitalizations associated with the flu are also increasing, with older adults among those experiencing the greatest impact. Toms River, NJ Patch+2

Ocean County Offering Flu Vaccines at Convenient Locations

The Ocean County Health Department is bringing vaccination services directly into local communities, including libraries, senior centers, community centers and municipal buildings.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Health officials particularly emphasize vaccination for pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions and those who may be at greater risk of serious complications.

Residents with health insurance can receive vaccinations without out-of-pocket costs. Those without insurance may qualify for free vaccinations through the county’s Uninsured Vaccination Program.

Homebound residents can also arrange to receive a flu vaccination at home by contacting the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700, extension 7287. Toms River, NJ Patch+1

Upcoming Free Flu Shot Clinics in Ocean County

Here is the upcoming vaccination schedule for November and December 2026.

NOVEMBER 2026

• November 13: 10 a.m. – Noon — Ocean Gate Municipal Building, 801 Ocean Gate Avenue, Ocean Gate.
• November 14: 9 a.m. – Noon — Silver Ridge Park East Clubhouse, 979 Edgebrook Drive North, Berkeley.
• November 16: 10 a.m. – Noon — Beachwood Community Center at Mayo Park, 501 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood.
• November 17: 10 a.m. – Noon — Point Pleasant Library, 834 Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant.
• November 17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Ocean Acres Community Center, 489 Nautilus Drive, Stafford.
• November 18: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.
• November 19: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Avenue, Toms River.
• November 20: 10 a.m. – Noon — Manchester Senior Services, 82 Lacey Road, Manchester.
• November 23: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River.
• November 30: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson.

DECEMBER 2026

• December 1: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Manchester Library, 21 Colonial Drive, Manchester.
• December 2: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.
• December 5: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Berkeley Library, 30 Station Road, Berkeley.
• December 8: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Toms River Library, Green Room, 101 Washington Street, Toms River.
• December 10: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. — Plumsted Municipal Building, 121 New Egypt Allentown Road, Plumsted.
• December 12: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. — Ocean Acres Community Center, 489 Nautilus Drive, Stafford.
• December 14: 10 a.m. – Noon — Manchester Senior Services, 1 Colonial Drive, Manchester.
• December 14: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River.
• December 16: 10 a.m. – Noon — Upper Shores Library, 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette.
• December 18: Noon – 2 p.m. — Beachwood Community Center at Mayo Park, 501 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood.
• December 28: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River.
• December 30: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. — Ocean County Health Department, 27 South Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson.

Appointments are preferred and can be scheduled through the Ocean County Health Department. Toms River, NJ Patch+1

How to Help Prevent the Spread of the Flu

In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials recommend taking simple precautions to help prevent the spread of influenza.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when experiencing flu symptoms.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching, health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions to help protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest vaccination clinic information, appointments and additional services, visit the Ocean County Health Department’s official flu season page.

Residents can also call 732-341-9700, extension 7287 for assistance.

As flu activity continues to increase across New Jersey, Ocean County residents still have opportunities to get vaccinated close to home before the holiday season gets underway.