Pocono News Section

Lackawanna Flu Shot Clinics to Begin Tuesday

Lackawanna Flu Shot Clinics to Begin Tuesday - Monday, September 28, 2009 at 5:12PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 28, 2009 @ 05:12pm EDT
LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- A series of flu shot clinics is getting ready to open in our area. Beginning Tuesday seniors will be able to get vaccinated for free, if they have insurance.

A total of 11 clinics are planned through mid-October at senior centers all over Lackawanna County. The group running the clinics, Maxim Health Systems, says seniors are the main target, but the clinics are open to everyone.

Jack Drungell of Maxim Health Systems said, ÒEvery year, when the flu strain comes through, you want to be able to combat that, especially for our seniors."

The first clinic will be held Tuesday at the Carbondale Senior Center on North Church Street. It will run from 10:00 A. M. until 2:00 P. M.

Janet Trombetta of Maxim Health Systems added, ÒEach of our clinics is set-up and organized to try and expedite the process to get in and get out and get everyone vaccinated."

Every year the flu shot clinics in Lackawanna County are extremely popular. Each site usually sees between 100 and 200 people come through.

Even though all are at senior centers, the shots are available to anyone. ÒWhat we want to do is make sure, in these senior centers, that the senior population is getting the opportunity first. They're the most at risk," said Drungell.

Also at risk are people with chronic health problems and women who are pregnant.

If seniors bring their insurance cards the shots are free. ÒThey have to make sure they bring their medicare cards with them to show that it is Plan B that covers the Flu Vaccine," said Trombetta.

Without insurance, the cost is $30 for the flu shot and $45 for the pneumonia vaccine.

ItÕs important to note that the H1N1 flu vaccine, or the swine flu vaccine, will not be a part of the upcoming clinic. That's because the government is handling those shots.

Here are the planned flu clinic sites in Lackawanna County:

All clinics run from 10AM to 2PM

Carbondale Senior Center - Tuesday, 9/29
Jefferson Twp. Senior Center Ð Wednesday, 9/30
Mid-Valley Senior Center (Jessup) Ð Thursday, 10/1

Downtown Senior Center Ð Monday, 10/5
South Side Senior Center Ð Tuesday, 10/6
West Side Senior Center Ð Wednesday, 10/7
Dunmore Senior Center Ð Thursday, 10/8
Taylor Senior Center Ð Friday, 10/9

North Pocono Senior Center Ð Tuesday, 10/13
Jewish Community Center Ð Wednesday, 10/14
Abington Senior Center Ð Thursday, 10/15