Bristol Twp. Seniors Get Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines

Shots, everybody!

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Department of Health brought a COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic to the Bristol Township Senior Center Tuesday morning.

Secretary of Aging Robert Torres and Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam were at the clinic and told reporters senior citizens are most susceptible to many illnesses immunizations can help ease the impacts or prevent infections. They said those vulnerable to sickness and disease need to get immunized.

Torres said complications from the flu are among the top causes of death for older Americans. He stated vaccines can help prevent serious illness.

“We want to encourage all older Pennsylvanians to take advantage of vaccination options in their local community, including their health care provider, pharmacy, or clinics like this one at the Bristol Township Senior Center. It is an easy and convenient way for older adults to get both of these important vaccinations off of their to-do list,” he said.

Older adults are advised by state health officials to get the following immunizations:

• COVID-19 vaccine;
• Influenza (flu) vaccine – one dose annually;
• Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine, or Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine – adults age 19 and older one dose with booster dose every 10 years;
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23 – adults age 65 and older; and
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccination – adults age 50 and older, two doses for those 60 and above

“During the fall season, we enter into another flu season coupled with battling the COVID-19 virus at the same time,” Beam said. “Pennsylvanians, especially our older residents, are best protected if they receive the proper immunizations to keep them as healthy as possible against these potentially deadly viruses.”

Beam said residents of any age should reach out to their doctor or seek further information to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

Kathy Bennett, the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging director, said older residents can call her agency or the county health department if they have questions or need to find a location to get a vaccine.

Bonnie Worth, the director of Bristol Township Senior Center on Bath Road, was met with applause from the older folks at the facility.

“We will continue to serve in the best way we know how, which is direct health services to our seniors,” Worth said.

Torres asked seniors to be trusted messengers on getting vaccinated.

Bennett said senior centers, like the one in Bristol Township, are key in getting people vaccinated.

Those who were vaccinated Tuesday received a meal and some snacks to take home.

The vaccine clinic at the center was run by Acme.

For more information on getting vaccinated, visit vaccines.gov.

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