HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health used the crowds of the 110th PA Farm Show to deliver a sweeping public health intervention, distributing more than 3,500 doses of naloxone and administering over 650 flu vaccinations — nearly double the number of flu shots given at the event just before Governor Josh Shapiro took office in 2023.
Health officials said the effort reflects a broader strategy to bring science-backed medical guidance directly to the public in high-traffic, community-centered settings.
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said the annual Farm Show provides a rare opportunity to reach Pennsylvanians who may not otherwise seek out vaccines or overdose prevention tools, allowing medical staff to engage face-to-face with families while reinforcing the proven benefits of immunization and harm reduction.
Naloxone distributed at the Farm Show was supplied through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ Overdose Prevention Program. According to the department, more than 11,400 opioid overdoses were reversed statewide last year, underscoring the drug’s role as a frontline defense in the ongoing overdose crisis.
The flu vaccination effort came amid an active flu season that began September 28, 2025. State data show roughly 70,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported so far this season, with nearly 10,000 adults and more than 1,800 children hospitalized. Since September, 147 flu-related deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania.
Health officials note that the flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against evolving virus strains and continues to be recommended for all residents six months of age and older.
Department of Health staff administering vaccines at the Farm Show said convenience played a major role in participation, with many couples and families opting to receive flu protection together while attending the event.
Beyond naloxone and flu shots, the department’s Farm Show presence also included distribution of radon test kits, CPR demonstrations, environmental health information, WIC program resources, tick removers, and guidance on preventing tickborne illnesses.
Officials said the strong turnout highlights how pairing public health services with community events can expand access, reduce barriers, and deliver immediate, measurable benefits for families across the Commonwealth.
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