Lehigh Valley Health Officials Recommend Vaccines, Boosters, on AARP Tele-Town Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   February 15, 2021     

CONTACT:   Randy LoBasso, rlobasso@aarp.org, 267-964-8001   

Even as overall case numbers decrease, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to continue to take precautions against COVID-19 

AARP Pennsylvania hosted a tele-town hall on Monday, February 14, featuring Bethlehem City Health Director, Kristen Wenrich; and Director of Nursing, S. Benay Berger; to help members, volunteers, and residents in the Lehigh Valley better understand information regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The tele-town hall was moderated by AARP Pennsylvania’s Volunteer State President Joanne Grossi, who welcomed participants, took their questions, and assisted the health officials in informing callers on issues like when to wear masks and the effectiveness of vaccines.

As noted by the health experts on the tele-town hall, vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19, which has claimed the lives over 42,200 Pennsylvanians since the pandemic was declared in March 2020. AARP believes all eligible Americans should get vaccinated – including booster shots − to protect themselves, their loved ones and to end this pandemic once and for all.

“If you want to make sure you have the best protection,” noted Berger, “the two shots plus the booster is the best way to protect yourself.”

Both guests additionally recommended wearing KN95 masks in public indoor spaces, like grocery stores, noting masks are a preventative measure in all airborne virus cases.

In response to questions posed by over 300 participants, Wenrich and Berger acknowledged there is a lot of information regarding COVID-19, which can become confusing, and recommended the following sources of for up-to-date COVID-19 information, including how to schedule a vaccine or booster shot appointment at an upcoming Health Bureau Monday Wellness Clinic:

The Bethlehem Health Bureau: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Health-Bureau or call 610-865-7083

The Pennsylvania Department of Health: Health.Pa.Gov

The Centers for Disease Control: CDC.Gov

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, AARP has been providing information, advocacy and resources to help older people and those caring for them protect themselves from COVID-19, prevent it from spreading to others and cope with its related health problems and the financial disruptions it has created for many Pennsylvanians.

Listen to the full Tele-Town Hall here.

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About AARP   

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members – including 1.8 million Pennsylvanians - AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARPPA, @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.