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Flu season is right around the corner, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, will administer free influenza vaccinations for the 28th straight year for adults and children age 6 months and older during two drive-thru flu shot clinics in October. Vaccines will be administered at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township on Saturday, Oct. 11, and the Integrated Health Campus in Upper Macungie Township on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
For the past 27 years, LVHN has administered nearly 215,000 free flu shots through its annual community influenza vaccination campaign.
“Every year, we treat people who become very ill from influenza. Many of them are not vaccinated. The annual flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting seriously ill,” says Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, LVHN. “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.”
Anyone planning to get a flu shot at either drive-thru location is asked to review the vaccine information statement and fill out a consent form by visiting LVHN.org/flushot. Please 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 if you do not have access to a printer.
In addition to free vaccinations, LVHN is once again partnering with area food banks and shelters to accept donations of unexpired, nonperishable food items during each of the drive-thru sessions. While people are encouraged to support those in need, 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 be collecting other items to assist those in need in our community. These include things like diapers, personal hygiene products (e.g., toothbrushes), 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.
“We are incredibly proud of the many clinicians and staff who have volunteered for this invaluable community event,” says Brenda Croll-Stachelek, RN, Director for Infection Control and Prevention, LVHN. “Caring for our community doesn’t just happen within the walls of our hospitals, it happens through grassroots and proactive events like these.”
The vaccination routes for LVH–Hecktown Oaks and Integrated Health Campus are available at LVHN.org/flushot.
Those planning to receive a flu shot during LVHN’s October drive-thru vaccination clinics should wear loose-fitting clothing so the shot can be administered in the arm (or the leg for children under 2 years of age).
