HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Department of Health will offer free influenza vaccines at the 2015 Pennsylvania Farm Show on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
To date, influenza cases have been reported in every county of the state.
“This is shaping up to be a severe flu season and we have not yet peaked, which means we still have plenty of activity ahead of us,” Secretary of Health Michael Wolf said. “I encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.”
While the department recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months, the vaccine is especially important for older individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions that place them at increased risk of complications from the flu.
At this time, the vast majority of flu-related illness in Pennsylvania are type A influenza, which is known to cause more severe illness.
“Even though we have seen the type A strain drift this year, the vaccine may still provide some protection,” Physician General Dr. Carrie DeLone said. “Getting the vaccine may help decrease the severity of the flu that an individual might experience, or prevent someone being hospitalized, especially those at an increased risk.”
Due to changes in funding and guidelines at the federal level, the department does not have the amount of vaccine it had to offer in previous years. However, the department will provide vaccine at the Farm Show while supplies last.
The department will also be providing hands-only CPR training at its booth along with information on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
The department will be featured in the Main Hall by the carousel located near the Maclay Street lobby.
The 2015 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors.
The show runs Jan. 10-17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free, and parking is $10. For more information visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
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