Allegheny Health Department Opens Flu Vaccine Clinic

By Richard Cook

The Allegheny County Health Department is opening its influenza vaccination clinic at 3441 Forbes Ave. in Pittsburgh's Oakland area on Monday, Sept. 9.

The clinic will offer influenza vaccine, while supplies last, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Wednesdays, from 1 to 8 p.m., with free parking available after 4:30 p.m. in the lot behind 3333 Forbes Ave.

No appointment is necessary. Health officials report that there are many sources of influenza vaccine and that ample supplies are expected to be available this flu season.

The influenza vaccine will be provided free of charge to uninsured/underinsured children from 6 months through 18 years old. It is a covered benefit to people with Medicare Part B coverage who are not in an HMO and may get vaccine from any Medicare-approved provider. The vaccine is $25 for others.

A limited supply of flu vaccine without thimerosal will be offered free of charge to uninsured/underinsured children. Please call 412-687-ACHD (2243) in advance to make sure that it's available.

The vaccine protects against three strains of influenza virus expected to circulate this season—H1N1 Type A, H3N2 Type A and a Type B influenza virus.

"Influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death, primarily in the elderly and the chronically ill," according to a health department statement.