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Drive Through Flu Shots


Here is an article about a drive through flu shot clinic in Pennsylvania. The service is targeted at Seniors and health officials devised a system regarding which lane you drive up to and other logistics regarding the vaccination.
At first, I thought it was another gimmick. However the more that I thought about it, it does make sense. I've had a few requests over the years to vaccinate seniors in the drive-by fashion. This always put me in a difficult situation -- not because of the actual injection -- but what happens if there is a reaction and how can I ensure that they wait the recommended 20 minutes post vaccination without driving off into the sunset?
From a public health perspective, it makes complete sense. High-risk patients should get the immunizations and we must examine new ways to make this happen. We certainly can't visit them all in their homes. As long as there is a well-thought out system with policies and procedures in place, ideas such as this will prompt us to deliver quality care in non-traditional ways.
And as a reminder, get your flu shot! Here is a link to the American Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator. There is plenty of flu vaccine to go around this year.
(image courtesy of Flickr)
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