Salisbury Flu Round-up: Flu Vaccine Shortages Reported

Nothing feels like the flu. Your eyelashes hurt. Your body is sapped of all energy. You're out of commission for days, possibly weeks. Most importantly, you want it to end fast. 

Local Catholics will see two changes at Masses this weekend as a result of the flu outbreak. Allentown Diocese Bishop John Barres announced Friday there will be:

• No drinking from a chalice during holy communion. 
• No physical contact during the sign of peace. (Instead of a handshake, parishioners may bow or nod to their fellow worshipers.)

These directives are temporary and will remain in effect until the bishop withdraws them.

If you think you may have the flu, here's a list of nearby locations that can help confirm it or that give flu shots. It's still not too late to get a flu shot, but they're getting hard to find. Outside of your personal physician's office, here are some nearby locations that offer that service. If you know any place in the area that still has flu vaccine, please let us know in the comments section below.

Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest, 2400 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Salisbury

Patient First ---3178 W. Tilghman St., South Whitehall

Allentown Health Bureau---245 N. 6th St., Allentown. Free flu shots available Friday, Jan. 18 and Jan. 25, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. No residency requirements. People over 65 should bring their Medicare card.

CVS ---314 W. Emmaus Ave., Allentown. Cost: Only intradermal flu shots (shorter needle), $36.99, and high dose (for elderly) $50, available. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

CVS---1802 Lehigh St., Allentown. Cost: $31.99. Expects to get more flu vaccine Friday afternoon. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Giant Food Store ---3015 W. Emmaus Ave., Allentown. Cost: $30. Only one flu vaccine remained as of Friday morning; pharmacy does not expect to get more.  Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Walgreens---1855 S. 5th St., Allentown. Only high-dose flu shots available for seniors (65 and older). Cost: $31.99. Open 24 hours.

Weis Food Market----365 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall. No flu vaccine available, does not expect to get more.

Rite Aid---1628 S. 4th St., Allentown