ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh Valley Health Network will distribute free influenza vaccinations for the 28th straight year for adults and children during two drive-thru flu shot clinics this weekend.
Vaccines will be administered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township on Saturday, Oct. 11, and the Integrated Health Campus in Upper Macungie Township on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Adults and children ages 6 months and older are eligible.
A separate flu shot clinic organized and hosted by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office will be from 2 to 6 p.m. next Thursday, Oct. 16. The open house will include tours of the forensic center at 4350 Broadway in South Whitehall Township.
LVHN’s annual community flu vaccine campaign has administered nearly 215,000 free shots since its inception, according to the health system.
“The annual flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting seriously ill,” Dr. Alex Benjamin, LVHN’s chief of infection control and hospital epidemiology, said in a news release.
“Our annual shot clinic makes it easy and convenient for not just individuals, but entire families to get vaccinated in a matter of minutes from the convenience of their car.
“My message this fall is simple: Get your flu shot and invite someone else you care about to get it too. That quick investment in your health could save a life.”
A separate flu shot clinic organized and hosted by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. next Thursday, Oct. 16.
LVHN asks that those planning to get a flu shot at either drive-thru location review the vaccine information statement and fill out a consent form by visiting LVHN.org/flushot.
Organizers say folks must bring a completed and signed consent form for each person receiving a flu shot. (There will be consent forms available at the drive-thru sessions, too.)
Besides the free vaccinations, LVHN again will partner with area food banks and shelters to accept donations of unexpired, nonperishable food items during each of the drive-thru sessions.
Food donations are optional and not required to receive a shot.
Those who choose to donate food are urged to check the expiration date and only bring items that have not expired and are nonperishable.
Volunteers also will collect other items, including diapers, personal hygiene products, coffee pods and disinfectant wipes.
A standard dose of flu vaccine will be given to those 6 months to 64 years of age. Those 65 and older will be offered the high-dose vaccine for increased protection, LVHN said.
Organizers recommend you wear loose-fitting clothing to the drive-thru clinic so the shot can be administered in the arm (or the leg for those under age 2).