St. Joseph Medical Center to offer free flu shots

Looking for a flu shot? St. Joseph Regional Health Network is offering a free shot to anyone 18 years of age and over.

The vaccines will be given next Thursday, Jan. 17, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Joe's campus on Route 183 in Bern Twp., Berks Co.

The hospital gave more than 600 free flu shots in a four hour period when it offered the program in October.

St. Joe's is among other hospitals around the region that have been inundated with patients seeking care for flu-like symptoms.

The hospital will open a rapid flu assessment area in its emergency room on Monday to help it handle the influx of patients.

The area will be open weekdays from noon until 8 p.m. until the outbreak subsides, which may not be for another few weeks, health officials said.