LVHN Offers Free Flu Shots at Clinics Throughout the Region

Flu season is right around the corner, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) 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 27 years, LVHN has administered more than 210,000 free flu shots through its annual community influenza vaccination campaign.

“Being vaccinated against influenza reduces the risk for illness, hospitalization and death from the flu,” says Alex Benjamin, MD, LVHN’s Chief of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. “Like many respiratory illnesses, influenza can be spread by infected individuals who are not showing symptoms, and since we are not masking as often as we have in recent years, we could see increased transmission. Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to make it their responsibility to get vaccinated.”

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 health care 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. w. 

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

At the Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 flu shot clinics (Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks and Integrated Health Campus), 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, TLC 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, 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.

“Getting the vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu,” Croll-Stachelek says. Vaccine supplies are abundant so people should not be concerned about availability.