Bethlehem Offers Free Flu Vaccines Tomorrow at East Hills Middle School

From The Bethlehem Health Bureau: The Bethlehem Health Bureau will be conducting a free drive-thru flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00-2:00 at East Hills Middle School (2005 Chester Rd., Bethlehem). The Bethlehem Health Bureau, along with support from Bethlehem Area School District nurses and volunteers, will be offering quadrivalent flu vaccine to Bethlehem Area School District students and their families. Last year, over 850 individuals were vaccinated through the drive thru clinic and we anticipate an even larger response this year. The quadrivalent flu vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. This season’s vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seasonal flu-related deaths have ranged from 3,000 people to 49,000 people. The “seasonal flu” in the United States can begin as early as October and as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

Everyone six months and older is encouraged to get the flu vaccine annually. If you have not gotten your flu vaccine yet this season, please take advantage of this free drive-thru clinic. Mayor Donchez has stated, “I encourage residents to participate in this beneficial program, and I commend the City’s Health Bureau for taking a proactive approach in protecting our citizens.”