Lehigh Valley Health Network will administer free seasonal flu vaccinations for the 23rd straight year for adults and children six months and older during two community sessions in November. Shots will be all drive-thru at Dorney Park 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 and at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8.

For the past 22 years, LVHN’s community influenza vaccination campaign has administered nearly 180,000 free flu shots and collected more than 140,000 pounds of food for area food banks.

“Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year because it can reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death,” Alex Benjamin, MD, LVHN’s chief infection control officer said. “Getting a flu vaccine can also reduce the burden on the health care system responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.”

Benjamin said routine vaccination should be deferred for people with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, regardless of symptoms, until they have met criteria to discontinue isolation. While having a mild illness is not a contraindication to vaccination, visits for these individuals should be postponed to avoid exposing health care personnel and other patients to the coronavirus.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, adults and children age two and older in the vehicle will be required to wear a face covering.

Again, this year LVHN is partnering with area food banks and shelters to accept donations of unexpired, nonperishable food items during each of the drive-thru sessions. 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 nonperishable.

In addition, volunteers will be collecting other items to assist those in need. These include things like diapers, personal hygiene products – toothbrushes, for example – coffee pods and wipes.

LVHN is partnering with the Allentown Health Bureau to offer online registration again this year. Slots are available for either the morning or afternoon sessions both Saturday and Sunday. 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 of both locations are available at lvhn.org/flushot. Bring a completed and signed 2020-2021 consent form for each individual receiving a flu shot.

According to Terry Burger, RN, LVHN’s administrator for infection control and prevention, a standard dose of flu vaccine will be given to those six months to 64 years of age. Burger said those 65 and older will be offered the senior vaccine.

“Anyone can get the flu,” Burger said. “Last year as many as 56 million people were sick with the flu and as many as 62,000 deaths were attributed to the disease, including 188 pediatric flu deaths matching the highest recorded number for pediatric flu deaths reported during a regular flu season. 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 around you from getting the flu.”

Burger said vaccine supplies are available so the public should not be concerned about being able to get a shot.

Those planning to receive a flu shot during LVHN’s November drive-thru vaccination campaign are asked to abide by the following requests:

•Review the vaccine information sheet and complete and bring the 2020-2021 consent form for each person to be vaccinated. Forms may be found at lvhn.org/flushot or requested by calling 888-402-LVHN (5846).

•Dress appropriately by wearing loose-fitting clothing for the shot to be administered in the arm and the leg of children under two years old.

SEN. BOSCOLA

$1.5 million for schools to address COVID-19

State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola, D-18th, recently announced Pennsylvania is allocating $1,520,789 in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for school districts to provide health and safety services for students and to purchase PPE and cleaning and sanitizing products for schools due to COVID-19.

“I was pleased to learn that this funding through the CARES Act will be assisting our school districts in ensuring their facilities are sanitized and safe for our students getting their education, as well as providing the necessary services and technology needed for students to be successful with their schoolwork during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Boscola said.

“Our commonwealth must remain diligent in working with our school districts to ensure both the needs for our students and teachers are met.”

The following school districts will be awarded funding:

•Bethlehem Area School District $452,553

•Catasauqua Area School District $47,242

•East Penn School District $258,437

•Easton Area School District $273,669

•Northampton Area School District $167,207

•Salisbury Township School District $48,467

•Saucon Valley School District $63,918

•Whitehall-Coplay School District $137,941

•Wilson Area School District $71,355

School districts can use the money for any of the following purposes:

•Purchasing of cleaning and sanitizing products that meet Centers for Disease Control or Pennsylvania Department of Health criteria.

•Training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious disease.

•Purchasing of equipment, including PPE, thermometers, infrared cameras and other necessary cameras.

•Modification of existing areas to effectuate appropriate social distancing to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.

•Providing mental health services and supports, including trauma-informed approaches for students impacted by COVID-19.

•Purchasing educational technology for distance learning to ensure continuity of education.

•Other health and safety programs, items or services necessary to address COVID-19.

The funding distribution of the $49.8 million available statewide to school districts was approved by the Commonwealth’s School Safety and Security Committee.

The funding was included in the state budget enacted in May and had been on hold pending approval for the use of funds by the United States Department of Education, which came in October.

As part of the $200,000 million in CARES Act funding for school related COVID-19 costs approved in the May budget, $150 million had already been distributed to school entities.