The Liberty County Health Department, in conjunction with other partners, will hold a drive-through immunization clinic on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Clinics will allow county residents to receive flu, pneumonia, DPT and tetanus vaccine. It’s a lot like going through a fast-food, drive-up window, but faster and it will offer protection against a variety of viruses and bacteria.
Advantages of a drive-through clinic are that residents never have to find a parking place, leave their car or spend time in a waiting room. Information about seasonal flu, H1N1 and pneumonia is provided, and individual concerns answered.
It’s a great opportunity to catch up if several immunizations are needed.
And it’s perfect for those with a handicap or who have difficulty getting around.
If the H1N1 vaccine reaches the health department as expected, those shots will be provided along with other immunizations. One thing that appears to be different in H1N1 from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 do not yet appear to be at increased risk of H1N1-related complications. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 have existing antibodies to the 2009 H1N1 virus. However, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
The first clinic will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 30 at James A. Brown Park in Hinesville.
The second clinic will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Coastal EMC in Midway.
Cars will be directed by police and the sheriff’s department through an easy route to quickly move participants in and out. There is nothing difficult about these clinics.
But there is something very interesting about these clinics. They are set up exactly as if we were experiencing a disaster (man-made or natural). Anyone going through this process will be prepared should that need ever arise. Our county EMS, EMA, police, sheriff’s department, Red Cross and health department are taking this opportunity to go through an actual exercise and to fine tune what they would do to keep you safe.
Bring Medicare, Medicaid and insurance cards. While some insurance plans can’t be processed at this time, documentation will be given so participants can file later.
It is recommended that children under the age of 16 receive immunizations at the health department. Wiggling children make drive-through immunizations difficult for parents and staff attempting this through a car window.
Many of you have recently experienced rather severe cases of “something” that appears to be the flu. That does not necessarily mean you won’t have another episode. Don’t take chances with your health! Vaccines are not made with live viruses. Don’t be one of the 36,000 people who die from flu and its complications every year.
Ratcliffe is a consultant to the Coastal Health District. You can call her at 876-6399.
Clinics will allow county residents to receive flu, pneumonia, DPT and tetanus vaccine. It’s a lot like going through a fast-food, drive-up window, but faster and it will offer protection against a variety of viruses and bacteria.
Advantages of a drive-through clinic are that residents never have to find a parking place, leave their car or spend time in a waiting room. Information about seasonal flu, H1N1 and pneumonia is provided, and individual concerns answered.
It’s a great opportunity to catch up if several immunizations are needed.
And it’s perfect for those with a handicap or who have difficulty getting around.
If the H1N1 vaccine reaches the health department as expected, those shots will be provided along with other immunizations. One thing that appears to be different in H1N1 from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 do not yet appear to be at increased risk of H1N1-related complications. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 have existing antibodies to the 2009 H1N1 virus. However, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
The first clinic will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 30 at James A. Brown Park in Hinesville.
The second clinic will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Coastal EMC in Midway.
Cars will be directed by police and the sheriff’s department through an easy route to quickly move participants in and out. There is nothing difficult about these clinics.
But there is something very interesting about these clinics. They are set up exactly as if we were experiencing a disaster (man-made or natural). Anyone going through this process will be prepared should that need ever arise. Our county EMS, EMA, police, sheriff’s department, Red Cross and health department are taking this opportunity to go through an actual exercise and to fine tune what they would do to keep you safe.
Bring Medicare, Medicaid and insurance cards. While some insurance plans can’t be processed at this time, documentation will be given so participants can file later.
It is recommended that children under the age of 16 receive immunizations at the health department. Wiggling children make drive-through immunizations difficult for parents and staff attempting this through a car window.
Many of you have recently experienced rather severe cases of “something” that appears to be the flu. That does not necessarily mean you won’t have another episode. Don’t take chances with your health! Vaccines are not made with live viruses. Don’t be one of the 36,000 people who die from flu and its complications every year.
Ratcliffe is a consultant to the Coastal Health District. You can call her at 876-6399.