The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is offering five free flu vaccination clinics across the county starting Sept. 25, open to all residents ages 3 and older with no appointment or insurance required.

The series, announced Sept. 10 by DCHD, expands on last year's three-clinic lineup and adds a September start date. The closest clinic to Radnor and Haverford residents is Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Murphy's Giving Market, 7408 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

"As we head into flu season, now is the time to get vaccinated," said Lora Siegmann Werner, DCHD director. "The flu can be serious, but vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness."

The full schedule of special-event clinics:

  • Friday, Sept. 25: Media Community Center, 301 N. Jackson St., Media. Noon to 4 p.m. Pre-registration available by calling (610) 544-9878.
  • Friday, Oct. 2: ACCESS Chester Community Center, 701 Booth St., Chester. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 8: Ruth Bennett Community Farm, 1318 Carla's Lane, Chester. 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: Murphy's Giving Market, 7408 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. 9:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21: Tinicum Fire Company (drive-through), 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May be canceled for bad weather.

All clinics are subject to vaccine availability.

Residents should wear short sleeves.

Beyond the five flu-only clinics, DCHD is supporting two October community events with vaccination access. The Second Annual Hat Trick for Health takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Lansdowne YMCA from noon to 4 p.m., with Giant Pharmacy administering flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to eligible individuals. On Sunday, Oct. 18, DCHD's Wellness on Wheels mobile unit will offer flu vaccines at the Darby Community Health Fair, 884 Main St., Darby, from noon to 2 p.m.

The clinics come as Pennsylvania faces its deadliest measles year since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000. The state has reported nearly 700 cases and four deaths, The New York Times reported Sept. 15. The outbreak has heightened attention on vaccination access across the state.

About 94% of Delaware County kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles last school year, just below the 95% herd-immunity threshold, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Pennsylvania doctors are urging residents to get flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots before the winter holidays, WHYY reported Sept. 14. Dr. Toni Richards-Rowley, a Doylestown pediatrician and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Pennsylvania chapter, told WHYY on Sept. 14 that healthy children can still end up hospitalized with the flu and that "that is preventable with a simple vaccine."

DCHD also operates five Test and Go kiosks across the county offering free rapid and laboratory tests for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Standing immunization hours continue at DCHD Wellness Centers in Chester and Yeadon.

Homebound residents can request a flu vaccination by calling the DCHD Wellness Line at 484-276-2100, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.