Livingston families can get free flu shots for their children at a pediatric vaccine clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The clinic comes after a punishing 2025-2026 flu season for children nationwide. The cumulative pediatric hospitalization rate reached 49.9 per 100,000, the second highest since the 2010-2011 season, according to CDC FluSurv-NET data through the week ending March 21. The CDC reported 123 influenza-associated pediatric deaths that season. Roughly 85 percent occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.

The Livingston Health Department is partnering with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center to offer the clinic at the Livingston Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Ave., according to the township's event calendar. Vaccines will be available from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Tahaney Room 1 on the first floor.

Children ages 6 months to 18 are eligible. The shots are free while supplies last, and no insurance is needed.

Livingston is not the only local community ramping up flu prevention. Millburn Township held its own free adult flu clinic at Gero Park on Wednesday, Sept. 30, according to the township's official account on X. Essex County's Office of Public Health Management in Verona is also running a mobile health clinic with seasonal flu vaccines; residents can call (973) 877-8456 for dates.

New Jersey requires a flu vaccine every year by Nov. 30 for all children 6 months and older enrolled in preschool or childcare, unless a child has a valid exemption, according to the Health Department's immunization page. The Oct. 6 clinic gives families a chance to meet that deadline at no cost.

Appointments are required. Parents can schedule one by calling the Health Department at 973-535-7961, ext. #7110, #7109 or #7108. Homebound residents who need a flu vaccine at home can contact the Nursing Division at the same number, ext. #7108 or #7109.