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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

LVHN announces shortage of flu vaccine at drive-thru

A kink in the supply chain will impact Lehigh Valley Health Network's free annual drive-thru flu shot and food drive effort scheduled Nov. 8 an 9.

According to LVHN, production delays with the vaccine manufacturers the quadrivalent flu vaccine will not be available at the sessions set for Dorney Park and Coca-Cola Park.

However, LVHN will provide the trivalent vaccine as scheduled at the free events. The quadrivalent vaccine will be available at Lehigh Valley Physician Group medical practices.

The seasonal flu vaccinations for adults and children 6 months and older will be all drive-thru 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9.

LVHN will partner with area food banks and shelters including the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank, Allentown Rescue Mission, Transitional Living Center Program and the AIDS Activities Office food pantry to accept donations of unexpired, non-perishable food items during each of the drive-thru events. Food donations are optional and not required to receive a shot. Those who choose to donate food are urged to check the expiration date and only bring items that have not expired and are non-perishable.

LVHN will partner with the Allentown Health Bureau to offer online registration. Hourly slots are available for both days. Reservation times are estimates and not guaranteed. A vaccine information statement, consent form, link to online registration and maps of both locations are available at lvhn.org. A 2014-2015 consent form available from the website must be completed and submitted to receive the shot.

The trivalent flu vaccine will be given to those 6 months to 64 years of age and will protect against three different flu strains-two influenza Type A strains and one influenza Type B strain. Burger said those 65 and older will receive the trivalent high-dose vaccine.

Those planning to receive a flu shot during LVHN's November drive-thru vaccinations are asked to:

· Access a vaccine information sheet and 2014-2015 consent form for each person to be vaccinated at lvhn.org; or request forms by calling 610-402-CARE (2273).

· Complete the consent form and bring it when getting a vaccination.

· Wear loose-fitting clothing for the shot to be administered in the arm of an adult and the leg of children less than 2 years old.

· Not have pets in the vehicle.