LVHN’s annual free flu shots scheduled for second weekend of November 2019

“Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match the influenza viruses in a given year, it might still provide some protection.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network will give out free flu shots for the 22nd straight year for adults and children Nov. 9 at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and Nov. 10 at Coca-Cola Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The hospital network is also partnering with area food banks and shelters to accept donations of unexpired, nonperishable food items at the vaccination locations. For the past 21 years, LVHN’s flu vaccination campaign has resulted in 170,000 flu shots, along with more than 127,000 pounds of food for area food banks.

Food donations are not required to receive a shot.

Those between 6 months and 64 years old will receive the quadrivalent vaccine, which will protect against four flu strains, according to Terry Burger, LVHN’s director of infection control and prevention. Those 65 and older can get the trivalent Flu Ad (senior) vaccine.

“Anyone can get the flu. Last year, 48 million people were sick with the flu and more than 79,000 died from the disease,” Burger said in a news release. “Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match the influenza viruses in a given year, it might still provide some protection. Getting the vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and those

— Terry Burger, LVHN’s director of infection control and prevention

around you from getting the flu.”

LVHN is again partnering with the Allentown Health Bureau to offer online registration. Slots are available for either the morning or afternoon sessions both days. Slots are not appointments so those reserving times may arrive at any time during the reserved time period. A vaccine information statement, consent form, link to online registration and maps to both locations are available at lvhn.org/flushot.

Those planning to get flu shots at LVHN’s drive-thru must bring a completed, and signed 2019-20 consent form for each individual receiving the shot.

Also remember to wear loose-fitting clothing for the shot to be administered in the arm or the leg of children under 2 years old.