Flu Shots
We offer free flu shots during the fall to ensure you are well protected
If you need to get vaccinated against the flu, we provide free flu shots during the fall. Getting vaccinated and washing your hands are the best ways to protect yourself and your family, as well as your co-workers and others around you. Flu season runs from December to May, but it's important to get vaccinated early. Call 610-402-CARE to learn how you can get your flu shot - and don't wait, since it takes a few weeks to develop protection.
Anyone can get the flu, regardless of age or how healthy you are. Every year, people who are young and healthy get sick enough to be admitted to hospitals. The only real medical reasons to keep you from getting a shot are a severe allergy to eggs, a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine or a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome. Flu shots use very small amounts of thimerisol as a preservative, so if you've had a severe reaction to thimerisol you may consider thimerisol-free FluMist.
The shot contains a killed virus, so you can't get the flu from the shot. It's still possible to get the flu even when you've had the vaccine, but the chances are much smaller. The vaccine will not protect you from other viruses like colds and gastrointestinal illnesses.
The most common side-effects are mild soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. Some people experience a headache or low-grade fever, but this is rare. People who get sick after getting a flu shot usually have a coincidental illness unrelated to the flu.
Need Help? Call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to talk to nurses and other experts who can connect you with a flu shot and more.
This page last updated 12/16/08 10:13 AM
ARTICLE TOOLS: 
