Drive Through Flu Shots

August 19, 2006

Health Department plans drive-through flu shots

BUNNELL -- Concerned that his staff of 40 could be overwhelmed if a hurricane or an influenza pandemic struck Flagler County, health department administrator Patrick H. Johnson is seeking a crew of medical and public health professionals to volunteer to help.

Called the Flagler County Medical Reserve Corps, the volunteer program is part of a national Medical Reserve Corps program overseen by the U.S. Surgeon General. Flagler's is one of 18 Florida units. Volusia County has none.

The idea behind the corps is to establish a network of health-care professionals who can help at special needs shelters during disasters and who can help give shots during major outbreaks of disease, Johnson said.

"I would love to double my staff with volunteers," he said. "We are looking for anyone with a medical background." Among the groups needed are emergency medical technicians, paramedics, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, doctors, dentists and even veterinarians.

Johnson said he would like to conduct his first orientation session in September, then use the volunteers to administer preventive flu shots before the flu season strikes.

The county's plan for flu shots this year includes outreach through all the area churches, clinic appointments in batches and drive-through service.

The "batched" appointments proved popular with the community in 2005, Johnson said. The agency schedules 30 appointments every half hour. People show up knowing they will receive their inoculation and be gone within 30 minutes, he said.

Under the inaugural Flagler County program, recipients will be able to drive to one station and fill out paperwork in the car, drive to the next station to get their injection, and then move to a final station for a quick check on their health before leaving.

Volusia County tried the

drive-through system in 2005. Stefany Strong, spokeswoman for the Volusia County Health Department, said the program was well received by the community.

"It was very convenient, especially for the elderly," Strong said. "We look forward to doing it again this year."

Johnson said the drive-through option better isolates patients, so there is less chance of passing a virus among those awaiting inoculation.

Medical professionals interested in participating in the volunteer program should register soon, he said. He and his staff will arrange their schedules to accommodate the needs of the volunteers.

jim.witters@news-jrnl.com