By: Richard L. Smith
Bloomfield residents and commuters will have an opportunity to receive free flu vaccinations later this month as local and county health officials bring preventive healthcare services directly to a busy public transportation area.
According to information released by the Bloomfield Department of Health, a free flu vaccination clinic will take place Thursday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to noon inside the Essex County Mobile Health Van near the Grove Street Light Rail Station.
The initiative is a partnership between the Bloomfield Department of Health, Essex County Office of Public Health Management and RWJBarnabas Health.
Vaccinations will be available to individuals ages six months and older, along with educational information about influenza prevention.
Health officials said the location was selected as part of a data-driven approach to identifying communities that could benefit from additional vaccination services.
Since 2025, Bloomfield and Essex County health officials have used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to examine influenza trends and determine where preventive healthcare resources may be most effective.
An analysis of influenza cases reported between 2015 and 2024 helped identify seasonal patterns and areas where additional outreach could be beneficial.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said the partnership has expanded public access to vaccinations and health screenings while allowing officials to target areas experiencing increased influenza activity.
Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell emphasized that bringing vaccinations directly to the light rail station makes preventive healthcare more convenient for residents and commuters.
RWJBarnabas Health will provide medical personnel and supplies for the clinic.
Residents interested in receiving a free flu vaccination are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Essex County vaccination website by selecting “Flu” as the appointment type.
Appointments can also be made by calling 862-213-5357.
The clinic is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, near the Grove Street Light Rail Station in Bloomfield.