Carbon County issued the following announcement on Oct. 22.
The Carbon County Commissioners, through cooperation with St. Luke’s Hospital Lehighton Campus and the PA Department of Health, are offering free flu vaccines at a drive thru clinic from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at Lehighton Area School District complex. The clinic will operate on a first come, first serve basis. If you wish to pre-register, please use the accompanying form, or you can register when you arrive. Participants are encouraged to wear short sleeves under any jacket or other layers.
Entrance to the event will be via Mahoning Street – Route 902 and Indian Lane. Enter into the Complex, stop your vehicle where instructed and you will receive additional information regarding registration and administration of the injection. Influenza is a contagious disease, caused by the influenza virus.
It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms:
Fever; Headache; Tiredness; Dry cough; Sore throat; Nasal congestion; and Body aches.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each season.
It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection. In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice healthy habits like covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season and remembering to disinfect commonly-touched objects, such as door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.
If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately. Additional information on the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine accompanies this notice and can also be found on the Department of Health’s website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Original source can be found here.