Drive-Thru Flu Clinic
Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Save Email Print
Posted: 8:17 AM Oct 11, 2008
Last Updated: 1:04 PM Oct 12, 2008
Reporter: Amanda Goodman
Email Address: Amanda.Goodman@wsaz.com

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BOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Cars were bumper to bumper this morning in one community and it had nothing to do with cheap gas.

The Ashland-Boyd County Health Department gave out 700 free flu shots as part of a drive-thru clinic at Boyd County Middle School.

Kristy Bolen, Public Information Officer for the Health Department says this clinic is part of an exercise, "We are testing our emergency preparedness plan to be able to vaccinate a large number of people in a very short amount of time."

The School’s parking lot was divided into four lanes that were roped off to make sure there was no lane changing.

As the drivers came in they were directed to one of the four lanes to fill out a registration form.

Once completed the cars continued down the lanes until they reached the nurses station, where the forms were collected, counted, and the nurses asked a few medical history questions before administering the vaccine.

"I think it’s a very organized system and I think it has worked remarkably well, much better than I think we even anticipated it working honestly," Bolen said.

There was even a special assistance area set up in case people needed to get out of their cars to be vaccinated.

Carol Nichols was out yard sale shopping with her family when she decided to stop in for a shot, "It was really easy and convenient, I anticipated long lines but I was in and out," she said.

In fact the clinic was running so smoothly, the health department was out of vaccines by 11am.

"I think that we have had a spectacular turnout, everyone has been very patient, all of our staff has worked very, very hard to get everyone through in a timely fashion," Bolen said.

Saturday’s clinic was such a success Bolen said they are considering doing another one next year, but that would require an extra step, "These free flu shots were made possible through a grant, so if we do this again next year we would have to figure out a way to collect payments from people for the shot.”

In the meantime Bolen said today’s clinic will provide valuable information should a pandemic ever hit Boyd County.

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Posted by: john on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Wake up boyd county their will never be a "pandemic"

Posted by: Tom on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:42 PM
"Cars were bumper to bumper this morning in one community and it had nothing to do with cheap gas." "It was really easy and convenient, I anticipated long lines but I was in and out," she said." Discrepancy?

Posted by: in reply to justin on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:52 PM
YOU KNOW PUT YOUR SELF IN THE ELDERLY PEOPLE OF BOYD COUNTY WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THEIR CARS AS EASILY AS YOU OR EVEN A HANDICAPPED PERSON THIS IS EASIER FOR THEM TO USE THANKS BOYD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MY STEPDAD AND STEP GRANDMOTHER BOTH BENIFETED FROM THIS

Posted by: Heather on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:03 AM
The purpose of this was not to promote laziness it was to promote health, Justin. The county healt dept. gave away 700 flu shots to people who would have probably other wise not recieved them because of their busy lives or because they may have not had to money to pay for them. Personally I think that it is a great idea but nobody is forcing anyone to do it, so if you want to and can do it the old fashion way then do it that way but for people with kids, jobs, school or other things that may prevent them from doing this. It is a fantastic idea.

Posted by: jj on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:50 AM
How lazy can you be

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Can I get fries and a shake with that flu shot?

Posted by: N J F on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I am very happy with this idea of drive up flu shots. My mom and dad both were able to benefit from this. My dad has been really sick unable to get around very well. This helped him alot and I am glad the Health Dept did it. And trust me my parents have never been lazy! Both have always been very hard workers. Thanks Boyd Co Health Dept.

Posted by: trudge on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:53 PM
my family went to this drive thru clinic and were pleased with the results. it seemed to be organized pretty well and everyone was pleasant and professional. thank you!

Posted by: Almost Heaven on Oct 11, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Glad this wasn't WV, I'm sure there would be alot of cheap shots being taken again...

Posted by: Barb on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Kings Daughters Medical Center recently offered free flu shots in Carter County, KY at the Grayson Post Office. I had to get out of my car but it was worth the trip. Thanks KDMC

Posted by: InReplytoJustin on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I think this is SUCH a good idea. MOST people now days are so busy with work and kids and I myself know I out off having a flu shot because of making an appointment and going down there. I think the nurses deserve credit and a round of applause because I think people will be more apt to get a flu shot.

Posted by: Justin on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:02 AM
So are we even to lazy to get out of the car and get out flu shots now?? Funny how a county health department would sponsor this. The purpose of a health department is to promote health...not lazy!!

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