Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region Offers Free Flu Shots at Clinics Throughout the Region

Flu season is right around the corner, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, is offering you a convenient way to protect yourself and your family with drive-thru and walk-in flu shot clinics throughout the region. Over the past 28 years, LVHN has administered more than 220,000 free flu shots through its annual community influenza vaccination campaign.

“The flu can be more serious than many people realize, particularly for young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions,” says Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Jefferson Health Lehigh Valley. “A flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during flu season. By bringing these clinics into the community, we're making it easier for people to get vaccinated and stay healthy.”

Dr. Benjamin says those who are experiencing respiratory symptoms should defer their flu vaccine until their symptoms have subsided. While having a mild illness is not a reason to avoid vaccination altogether, people who are sick should avoid exposing healthcare professionals and other patients to their illness.

LVHN is offering several free drive-thru and walk-in flu shot clinics. A vaccine information statement and a consent form for all flu shot clinic locations are available below.

Please bring a completed and signed consent form for each person receiving a flu shot.

At the Oct. 17 (Health Center at Carbon), Nov. 7 (Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom), and Nov. 8 (Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks) flu shot clinics, M.A.R.T.I.N. (May All Receive Their Immunizations Now) Flu Foundation will be on-site collecting food donations to be distributed to Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, Transitional Living Center Program – Department of Psychiatry, Allentown Rescue Mission, and Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. You can donate nonperishable and unexpired food items, diapers, coffee pods, and toiletries.

The flu shot is an important tool when it comes to preventing severe cases of flu. Brenda Croll-Stachelek, RN, Regional Director for Infection Control and Prevention, LVHN, says a standard dose of the vaccine will be given to people 6 months to 64 years. People 65 and over will be offered the high-dose vaccine.

“One of the things I love most about these clinics is the opportunity to connect with people outside of a hospital or doctor's office,” Croll-Stachelek says. “Our team looks forward to this event every year because it's a chance to meet people where they are, help them stay healthy and make a positive impact in the community.”

Vaccine supplies are abundant so people should not be concerned about availability.