Harrisburg, PA – This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is providing low or no-cost flu clinics for eligible adults and children from December 7 through December 11.
“I want all Pennsylvanians to know it’s not too late to get vaccinated, and I am urging everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the free flu vaccines we are offering this week across the commonwealth,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. “Getting vaccinated now against the flu will help everyone stay healthy throughout the holidays and into the New Year.”
The clinics, which are being held statewide, will provide flu vaccines at low or no cost for uninsured/underinsured adults, as well as children through age 18 who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid eligible, or American Indian or Alaska Native. The cost is $5 per person (payable by check or money order) for individuals and families within the above guidelines; however, no one will be denied because of an inability to pay. The clinics are being held in conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week.
Adults and children who meet the requirements for the vaccine clinics must call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) to schedule an appointment. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children who are receiving the flu vaccination. The Department of Health must be notified prior to the appointment if someone other than the child’s parent or legal guardian will be accompanying them.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease,” said Dr. Murphy. “With family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Certain people are at greater risk for developing flu-related complications, including infants and children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions. It is especially important for at-risk individuals, as well as their caregivers and medical providers, to get flu vaccines every year.
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take daily preventive actions like washing hands often with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with sick people. If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.
For more information about influenza, visit www.flufreepa.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Amy Worden or Yasmin Coleman, DOH, 717-787-1783
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