Department of Health Offering Free Flu Shots, Promoting Opioid Overdose Awareness, and Demonstrating Hands-Only CPR at Pennsylvania Farm Show

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health is offering free flu shots all week at its booth at the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show. The booth will also offer information on how everyone can acquire and administer naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug, perform hands-only CPR, as well as several other interactive displays throughout the week.

"The role of the Pennsylvania Department of Health is to improve the public health for all Pennsylvanians," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy during a visit to the Department of Health booth today. "Two important health issues we will be discussing today are the opioid crisis and the seasonal flu. We're taking this opportunity at the Farm Show to give people resources to fight these crises and keep themselves and their loved ones healthy."

With flu activity now widespread in Pennsylvania with 4,546 cases reported, it's more important than ever for all Pennsylvanians to be protected with a flu shot. Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to prevent the seasonal flu. The shots at the Farm Show are administered by nurses from the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at no cost to the patient. No appointment is required. The Department of Health booth is located near the carousel by the Maclay St. entrance of the Farm Show Complex.

The booth will also feature a looping video of Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine demonstrating how to administer naloxone to save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Additionally, the video gives instructions on how to acquire naloxone using the standing order signed by Dr. Levine, copies of which will be available at the booth.

Other rotating offerings at the Department of Health booth throughout the week include:

• Information on learning how to become an organ donor;
• Resources and information about quitting smoking;
• Emergency preparedness tips;
• Advice for staying safe in the sun when the warm weather returns; and
• Tips for keeping your child safe in the car with a car seat.

Flu shots will be offered from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, except for Saturday, January 14, when vaccinations will conclude at 5:00 PM. Last year, the Department of Health administered more than 1,200 flu shots during the Farm Show.

For more information about the Department of Health Farm Show booth, visit www.farmshow.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us