By CHRIS PARKER

cparker@tnonline.comThe morning air is cool and crisp, brightly colored leaves are spiraling to the ground, and doctors are urging people to get flu shots.This season, there's really no excuse.Under the Affordable Care Act, the shots for most people are now fully covered by insurance with no copay when given by a network provider, and available everywhere from local drug stores to your doctor's office. Almost all insurance plans cover the average $35 cost of the shot.Seasonal flu is not to be taken lightly.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the range of flu-related deaths between 1976 and 2007 to be from 3,000 to as many as 49,000. About 90 percent of those deaths are people over age 65.The illness hits the economy, too. About 111 million work days are lost every year because of the flu, according to the CDC.While flu activity typically peaks between December and February, it can begin as early as October and stretch until May.The CDC recommends everyone get a flu shot. It's especially important for children from 6 months to 6 years old; adults over 50; pregnant women; people with chronic illnesses; those living in nursing homes or other health facilities; and those who care for seriously or chronically ill people.This year, for the first time, doctors are advising parents to get the nasal spray vaccine instead of shots for children ages 2 through 8.But if the spray is not readily available, the CDC advises parents to get the regular shot to keep their children safe.There was a hiccup in the availability of flu vaccine earlier this year because Sanofi Pasteur, which provides the largest amount of flu product to the nation, had a delay, said state Department of Health spokeswoman Holli Senior.However, the company shipped out the first batch of vaccines to providers in late September."As is the case every flu season, the products are distributed in increments to allow providers enough time to use the products and store them properly," Senior said.The shots are available at most drug stores. They are also available at Giant grocery store pharmacies.Local hospitals are also providing the shots.Lehigh Valley Health Network plans community sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Dorney Park, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at Coca-Cola Park, Allentown."The vaccine will cover four strains of flu this year," said hospital spokesman Brian Downs.At those times, the hospital will be collecting nonperishable food for donation to local food banks. You do not need to bring a donation to get the flu shot, he said.Shots are free, but people must register by accessing

https://www.bdhclinics.com/?o=26.For more information, call 610-402-9446.