- LVHN's 26th annual free influenza vaccination campaign offers flu shots to individuals aged 6 months and older
- Consent forms and pre-registration are required for individuals seeking a flu shot
- Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years will receive a standard flu vaccine, while those aged 65 and older will be offered the high-dose vaccine
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh Valley Health Network continues its longstanding tradition of offering free influenza vaccinations.
For the 26th consecutive year, LVHN will provide flu shots to adults and children aged 6 months and older during two drive-thru clinics in November.
The clinics will take place at Dorney Park in Allentown on Saturday, Nov. 4, and at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Individuals seeking a flu shot at either location are required to complete a consent form and register in advance. This can be done by visiting LVHN’s website, following the provided instructions, scanning the QR code on mailed postcards, or calling 835-215-5438. The registration line will also be open on the clinic dates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Terry Burger, LVHN’s administrator for infection control and prevention, said a standard flu vaccine will be administered to individuals aged 6 months to 64 years, while those aged 65 and older will receive the high-dose vaccine.
“Getting the vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu,” Burger said.
Individuals planning to receive a flu shot at LVHN’s November drive-thru clinics are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing, allowing for the shot to be administered in the arm or leg for children under 2 years of age.
Why flu vaccination?
Over the past 25 years, LVHN has administered more than 206,000 free flu shots and collected nearly 164,000 pounds of food for local food banks, according to the hospital in a press release.
“Like many respiratory illnesses, influenza can be spread by infected individuals who are not showing symptoms, and if we are not masking as often as we have in recent years, we could see increased transmission.”Dr. Alex Benjamin, LVHN’s chief of infection control and hospital epidemiology
Dr. Alex Benjamin, LVHN’s chief of infection control and hospital epidemiology, emphasized the importance of vaccination, highlighting its role in reducing the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and mortality.
“Like many respiratory illnesses, influenza can be spread by infected individuals who are not showing symptoms, and if we are not masking as often as we have in recent years, we could see increased transmission,” he said. “Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to make it their responsibility to get vaccinated.”
A recent report by the Centers and Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the flu vaccine was instrumental in reducing hospitalizations by 52 percent in the Southern Hemisphere. The report indicated that the vaccine might offer similar protection in the Northern Hemisphere if the targeted viruses are predominant during the upcoming flu season.
However, individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses, Dr. Benjamin advised, should defer routine vaccination until they have met the criteria to discontinue quarantine.
Chances to give back to the community
Besides the offering of free flu shots, LVHN is collaborating with local food banks and shelters to accept donations of unexpired, nonperishable food items during the drive-thru clinics.
While food donations are appreciated, they are not a requirement for receiving a flu shot, LVHN says.
In addition to food donations, volunteers will collect other essential items like diapers, personal hygiene products, coffee pods, and disinfectant wipes for distribution to those in need.
