Belmar, NJ – If youve passed on flu vaccinations because youre afraid of needles, or your child is terrified of needles, this is your opportunity. ESI Medical will be offering needle-free flu shots for $9.99 on Tuesday, December 14th from 12 noon 4:00 pm in the Food Court at the Monmouth Mall. ESI Medical, which is based in Belmar, NJ, is one of the first private companies in New Jersey to offer the air injected shot, which is a great alternative for anyone with a needle phobia or for children. Patients feel the pressure of the PharmaJet device pushing against their arm, or may feel a sensation like a rubber band snapping. Vaccines will be administered by licensed, registered nurses from ESI to anyone aged six months and older.
According to ESI founder Dr. Philip Passes, the company was looking for an opportunity to give back to the public and decided on the flu clinic. People who have the below companies as their primary health insurance provider can present their insurance card at the clinic and receive the injection at no charge. Participating insurance companies are: Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, AmeriHealth, United, Oxford, and AmeriChoice. ESI will honor any coupons for a free flu shot from any of the above listed companies. As an added convenience, ESI will also have the pneumonia vaccine available for $9.99 as well. In honor of World Aids Day, which was December 1st, a portion of the proceeds of this event will benefit Sylvias Children, a 501(c)3 that supports children in Uganda.
The PharmaJet injector utilizes a single-use, sterile, needle-free syringe and a spring-powered energy source that creates the optimal pressure to deliver vaccines and other medications under the skin. The original purpose behind this technology was for use in developing countries, where access to clean needles and proper sanitation is limited. Up to 3,000 injections per device can be given, which provides a safe, sterile and cost-efficient means for vaccination and medicine delivery in places like Africa and India.
According to the CDC, this seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 strain plus two other strains. While everyone is recommended to get a flu vaccine, people at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older. The CDC states, vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications in children and adults, even in years where there is a suboptimal match between vaccine and circulating strains of influenza viruses. In addition, they also recommend the appropriate use of influenza antiviral medications; frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home from school and work when sick.
ESI Medical, based in Belmar, NJ, is a physician owned private duty home care agency that specializes in live in and hourly care and vaccinations for flu, shingles and travel. Dr. Phillip Passes founded ESI as an extension of his medical and business expertise. He received his M.B.A from St. Josephs University, and he is on the Board of Directors of one of the largest single specialty medical groups in the state of New Jersey. Ryan Simunovich, Managing Director, successfully led offices for a $1 billion national health care company prior to joining ESI Medical. He completed his Masters in Health Care Administration, graduating summa cum laude. For more information visit www.ESIMedical.com.
