Broomall Fire Co Hosting Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic In October

BROOMALL, PA — Delaware County residents looking to protect themselves from the flu this season can get immunized in Broomall in October.

Delaware County Council and the Department of Intercommunity Health announced the 2019 Public Flu Shot Clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Broomall Fire Company.

The clinic will be a drive-through format, which makes it more convenient for our older residents, those with disabilities, and also parents with small children.

Recently, federal officials announced that 70 million flu shots are being delayed. The delay is due to a reformulation of the flu shots. There are two different strains that are new in the vaccine this year, so last year’s immunization isn’t effective this season.

Due to the delay, early supplies are limited. Delaware County was able to secure enough for the public flu shot clinic in Broomall and plans to add more clinics when more doses become available.

"Medical experts suggest the delay could actually help rather than hinder vaccinations for this year’s influenza season," said Dr. George Avetian, Delaware County’s Senior Medical Advisor. "The CDC stated that the vaccine updates will better match the circulating viruses this season."

The CDC has found immunization reduces the risk of flu illness by 40 to 60 percent during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.

Receiving a flu shot is the first and most important step in preventing the flu and decreasing the risk of severe flu-related illnesses. Each year, 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu.

County Council urges all residents to get their annual flu shot, which is the best way to protect yourself, your family, friends and your co-workers from getting sick.

The Broomall Fire Company is located at 1 Malin Road in Broomall.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story did not list the date of the clinic. Patch regrets the error.