DUNMORE, PA — State health officials are urging Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated against the flu ahead of holiday gatherings, warning that the seasonal virus is already spreading statewide and that timely shots can prevent serious illness and hospitalizations.
On Friday, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich made the appeal during a visit to Bucktown Center in Lackawanna County, emphasizing that the body typically needs about two weeks after vaccination to build protective antibodies. With holiday travel and family events approaching, officials said now is a critical window for protection.
“The holiday season is also respiratory virus season; as you attend social gatherings, we want you to share joy, not germs,” Bogen said, urging residents to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death, and to limit the spread of the virus to others.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the current respiratory virus season, which began in late September, has already produced 7,125 laboratory-confirmed flu cases statewide. Officials also reported 239 adult hospital admissions and 87 pediatric hospital admissions related to influenza, figures that mirror activity seen at the same point in each of the past two seasons.
Health officials stressed that older adults face heightened risk. Pennsylvanians age 65 and older are more likely to develop severe complications from the flu, making vaccination especially important as gatherings increase during the winter months. Kavulich said easy access to vaccines can provide peace of mind for older residents and their families during the holidays.
The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against evolving virus strains, and medical providers recommend vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. Most insurance plans cover the flu shot at no cost, while uninsured or underinsured residents can receive vaccines through state health centers, federally qualified health centers, and the federal Vaccines for Children program.
Officials also highlighted newer options, including an FDA-approved nasal spray flu vaccine that eligible residents ages 2 to 49 can self-administer at home after completing an online medical screening. The option is designed to increase convenience and reach people who may avoid traditional clinic visits.
The push for vaccination comes as the Shapiro administration continues to emphasize science-backed public health guidance. Earlier this year, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order aimed at protecting access to evidence-based vaccines, aligning state agency policies with medical experts, and strengthening public education to combat misinformation.
State health leaders said vaccination remains the first line of defense as flu, RSV, and COVID-19 circulate simultaneously, often with overlapping symptoms. Residents experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches are urged to contact their health care providers promptly.
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