Free flu shots being offered

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital is partnering with the Pa. Dept. of Health to offer free flu and pneumonia vaccines at senior centers in Shinglehouse, Coudersport, Galeton and Ulysses.

Free shots will be available Saturday at the Shinglehouse Community Health Fair at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Free immunizations will also be available during the Diabetes/Cardiac Rehab Health Fair at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

There are ample supplies of the flu vaccine this year.

People who are at high risk of having serious flu complications include:

• individuals 65 and older;

• individuals who live in nursing homes and other longterm care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses;

• anyone six months and older with heart or lung conditions, including asthma;

• anyone who needs regular medical care or was in a hospital during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (such as diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with HIV/AIDS);

• children six months to 18 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy;

• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;

• people with any condition that makes it hard to breathe or swallow.