Sunday, November 22, 2009

Drive-thru flu shots, and do you want fries with that?




Doing a little volunteer work with the county, because it seemed like a good way to get out and do something different. But let's be honest, it also looks good on the application for the NP part of the program.

Yesterday it was a free community flu clinic. Well actually it wasn't much of a clinic, more like a mass drive-thru service. We had four tents set up with two lanes at each tent, I think our group did just shy of 400 seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Because it was so well organized, and well staffed, it turned out to be kind of fun. Plus most of the people coming through were in good spirits. Maybe there is something to being outside in your car with 60 degree sunshine, versus your average waiting room.
  Since we treated mostly higher risk individuals that meant kids, lots of kids. Most were good, and never cried. Some were happy to be out, that is until they saw the needle. Others just sensed something was not right, and were crying before they even pulled up. Early on one set of parents pulled up and got out of their SUV to help prepare their two daughters. Mistake, the girls being around eight years old decided the best thing to do was to hit the electronic button, and lock Mom and Dad out of the car. Because we make them turn off the vehicle, dad had the keys in his pocket, but it was good for a laugh. It was also a good day to own the closest McDonald's, because many a parent could be heard saying to their crying tots, we'll get an ice cream when it's over.