Greene County Medical Center Public Health - Drive-through Flu Clinics

What is it?

Greene County Medical Center Public Health, a hospital-based agency, offered “drive-through flu clinics” for the first time in 2015. In this new, convenient clinic format, anyone who needed a flu shot could drive up, fill out the necessary paperwork and get their shot – all without leaving their car. These clinics were held on two days in October, with one held during evening hours and the other on a Saturday morning.

Who is it for?

Anyone six months of age or older who needs a flu shot. This clinic format was especially helpful for people with mobility issues or families with children. Within minutes, participants were on their way home.

Why do they do it?

Greene County Medical Center Public Health recognizes the importance of vaccination against the flu for both personal and community health. They also recognize that it isn’t always easy to find a time or place to get a flu shot. By offering a drive-through clinic, they are providing a safe, time-efficient alternative for receiving protection against the seasonal influenza and its associated complications, such as pneumonia and death.

Impact

Although the actual number of persons vaccinated was lower than expected (less than 10), this type of clinic allows Public Health staff to test their emergency preparedness plans to provide mass vaccination to a large number of residents in the event of a widespread communicable disease outbreak, similar to the 2009 H1N1 influenza season. The people who came to the drive-through clinics were very appreciative of the opportunity. Greene County Medical Center Public Health plans to hold similar clinics annually, implementing “lessons learned” with this activity.

Contact: Becky Wolf
Public Health Director
Telephone: 515-386-3228
Email: becky.wolf@gcmchealth.com