Free Flu Shots for Area Seniors

UPMC St. Margaret, near Aspinwall, is offering free flu vaccinations to area residents age 65 and older on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at Entrance B of the hospital.

Priority will be given to seniors or those with chronic health conditions. Individuals 18 to 64 years of age who do not have a chronic health condition can be vaccinated for $15. Children under the age of 18 will not be vaccinated at this event. Those with questions and concerns about the flu shot should consult a family physician for advice.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend that the following people be among the first to get vaccinated each year: people 65 years of age and older people of any age who have had a heart attack, have heart disease, have a lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis; have diabetes, HIV, a blood disorder, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system; people who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater); pregnant women people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; people who have health problems that make it difficult to breathe or swallow; and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: health-care workers; household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; household contacts and out of home; and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).

Those who are allergic to eggs or chicken, or who have had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past, should consult their physician before receiving the vaccination. No appointment is necessary; parking tickets will be validated. Vaccines were donated by the St. Margaret Foundation. For more information, call 412-784-5185.

Flu (Seasonal and H1N1) Injections for Children

Seasonal and swine flu (H1N1) injections will be available for children 6 months to 6 years of age on Thursday, December 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Family Care Connection, located at 5235 Butler Street in Lawrenceville. The injections are free, but you must call ahead so that enough vaccine can be ordered: 412-784-8683.

Free and Low-Cost Flu Shots

Last year, did the flu leave you feeling under the weather? This year, guard yourself against the agonizing symptoms of the flu by getting your flu shot early. Bloomfield-Garfield Family Health Center is offering free vaccinations to area residents age 65 and older. There is a $15 charge for people uner the age of 65 who do not have a chronic health condition. Children under the age of 18 will not be vaccinated at this event.

No appointments necessary! Just come to the health center at 5475 Penn Avenue on one of these dates:

Thursday, October 8, 9 a.m. to noon

Thursday, November 5, 9 a.m. to noon

Tuesday, November 17, 4 to 6 p.m.

Call 412-361-7562 for more information.

Note: Vaccines were donated by the St. Margaret Foundation. These are NOT swine flu shots, but regular flu shots.

Flu Shots for Seniors

Flu shots are recommended for people age 65 and older. The Western Pennsylvania Hospital Community Partnership will host a flu shot clinic on November 11 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Vintage Senior Center, 401 North Highland Avenue in East Liberty. The clinic will offer a limited number of discounted flu shots for seniors; an optional $6 donation would be appreciated. For more information or to register for the vaccine, please call 412-361-5003.

Free Flu Shots for Seniors

Through Dec. 14, homebound seniors in Allegheny County will be able to get free flu shots. To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old, homebound, and meet some simple health criteria. Call Ursuline Senior Services at 412-683-0400 x 264, and leave a message. Someone will return your call to schedule your flu shot appointment and provide additional information. The program is made possible by a grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.