Free flu shots are available at one of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) pediatric flu-shot clinics. The vaccine is available to children over the age of 6 months. No appointment is needed. Masks are required at LVHN health-care facilities.

“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your children from influenza is to get vaccinated. Early data suggest that this year’s flu vaccine should be protective against the predominant circulating influenza strains,” said pediatrician Debra Carter, MD, Executive Vice Chair, Pediatrics, LVHN.

Those with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, regardless of symptoms, should postpone getting a flu shot until they have met the criteria to discontinue isolation. This protects health-care professionals and others who are receiving their flu shot from contracting COVID-19.

Although the flu has been largely overshadowed by COVID-19 in recent years, Terry Burger, RN, LVHN Administrator for Infection Control and Prevention, said public health officials expect to see more flu cases than in the last few years.

“Anyone can get the flu. Based on the rising number of flu cases this early in the season, across the nation and right here in Pennsylvania, we know this is going to be a severe flu season,” said Burger.

According to pediatric infectious diseases physician Tibisay Villalobos, MD, with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the flu vaccine is especially important for children under 3 and those children with medical conditions.

“The practices we were using to prevent COVID-19 were very effective in preventing the flu and other respiratory illnesses as well,” Villalobos said.

“Now there is a whole group of older children who have not been exposed to the flu, so it’s important to get them vaccinated. Getting older children vaccinated will also protect younger siblings,” said Villalobos.

LVHN is offering several pediatric walk-in flu shot clinics, including 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23, Conference Room, Health Center at Trexlertown, 6900 Hamilton Boulevard.

You do not need to be an LVHN patient, and no appointment is necessary. There also will be a limited supply of adult vaccines and vaccines for those 65 and older.

Additional dates and locations are being added.

Information: www.LVHN.org/healthy-you