Delco flu-shot clinics start up for the season
UPPER DARBY » Delaware County officials are wasting no time to get ahead of the flu this season.
The first of the county’s three free flu-shot clinics started up Friday morning at the Pilgrim Gardens Senior Citizen Center in Drexel Hill. All county residents over the age of 3 are encouraged to get a free flu shot at these walkin clinics.
Within the first hour, dozens had already received their shots, all paid for by the county.
According to the U.S> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs and can be a mild to severe illness. Signs and symptoms include fever, cough, muscle or body aches, runny nose and fatigue. Flu season can run from late November to March with February being the month where it commonly peaks.
Dr. George Avetian, senior medical advisor for the county, said predicting the intensity of flu season can be gauged by what’s happening in the southern hemisphere.
He noted that Australia is having one of its worst flu outbreaks, and that may follow suit here. Using these southern hemispherical data points gives the county a barometer of the season’s potential, and always preparing for the worst.
Another walk-in clinic is slated for Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Haverford Area YMCA, 891 N. Eagle Road in Havertown and on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tinicum Fire Station, 99 Wanamaker Ave. in Essington. The latter clinic is also a drive-thru so you don’t have to get out of your vehicle to get your free shot.
No appointments are necessary to get a shot, but a short health questionnaire is administered at the sites.