Free Flu Vaccines and "Hands-Only" CPR Demonstrations Offered by Department of Health during Pennsylvania's 100th Farm Show

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health is providing free influenza vaccinations and "Hands-Only" CPR demonstrations during the state's 100^th Farm Show. No appointments are needed to receive the flu vaccines, which will be available, while supplies last, January 9-15 from 10 AM to 6 PM and on January 16 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The "Hands-Only" CPR demonstrations will occur daily.

"The Department of Health is excited to participate in this year's special centennial Farm Show and do our part to help visitors lead healthier lives," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "Providing free flu vaccines and demonstrating an easy-to-remember lifesaving CPR technique will help ensure the health, safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians."

The department is continuing its "Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU" campaign by making free flu vaccines available to interested individuals at this year's Farm Show. Influenza cases have been reported in most Pennsylvania counties this season, with numbers expected to increase in the coming months. However, it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu.

"The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get vaccinated," said Secretary Murphy. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine for anyone who is 6 months or older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. It is especially important for older individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions that place them at increased risk of complications from the flu."

In addition to getting vaccinated, you should also:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth.  
• Disinfect frequently used surfaces – like doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, etc.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with sick people. If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours until after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

The "Hands-Only" CPR technique that will be demonstrated by the department's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. "Hands-Only" CPR consists of two easy steps: 1) call 911 and 2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest. This type of CPR is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.

The "Hands-Only" CPR demonstrations and free flu vaccines will be provided at the Pennsylvania Department of Health's booth, located in the Main Hall of the Farm Show Complex by the carousel near the Maclay Street lobby. The department will also have information available on organ donation, as well as services available through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental food and nutrition program.

Visit www.health.pa.gov or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) for more information on Pennsylvania Department of Health programs and services.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation's largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Penny Ickes or Amy Worden, DOH, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us