Cases of the flu are already rising throughout the area, according to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Children can be protected from influenza with a free flu shot at one of LVHN’s pediatric flu shot clinics. The vaccine is available to children over the age of 6 months. No appointment is needed. Masks are still required at all LVHN health care facilities.

Those with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, regardless of symptoms, should postpone getting a flu shot until they have met the criteria to discontinue isolation.

Although the flu has been largely overshadowed by COVID-19 in recent years, Terry Burger, LVHN administrator for Infection Control and Prevention, says public health officials expect to see more flu cases than in the last few years.

“Anyone can get the flu. Based on the rising number of flu cases this early in the season, across the nation and right here in Pennsylvania, we know this is going to be a severe flu season,” Burger says.

LVHN is offering pediatric walk-in flu shot clinics. You do not need to be an LVHN patient, and no appointment is necessary. There also will be a limited supply of adult vaccines and vaccines for those 65 and older.

Flu shots will be given from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Health Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Carbon, 2226 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive East, Lehighton.

Shots will also be given today from 3-6 p.m. at the health center in Trexlertown, 6900 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown.