SUMMIT — The question was whether local health officials could handle large numbers of inoculations in an emergency, and by 9:15 Saturday morning, it was clear the answer was a resounding “Yes.”
By that time, the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department’s first-ever free drive-through flu shot clinic had administered around 500 shots in its first hour -- twice as many in that time span as planners had estimated.
“We thought we could do 250 an hour,” said health department spokeswoman Kristy Bolen. “I’m amazed, honestly.”
The clinic was an exercise to find out how many injections it could administer in a set amount of time, said public health director Maria Hardy. They need the information to be able to deal with a pandemic or another emergency, she said. “This gives us data we’ve never had before to create a plan.”
The clinic was set up on the parking lot at Boyd County Middle School. A team of about 45 health department workers — virtually the entire staff — rolled in at 6:30 a.m. and set up four inoculation stations under white canopies. Safety-vested workers directed cars onto the lot and guided them into four lanes divided by ropes.
Those in oversized vehicles or with patients who couldn’t be reached through the window were directed to a separate area.
The lines were long but the wait was short, typically between five and 10 minutes, Bolen said.
“When you’re used to giving shots to kids, you can do it pretty fast,” said nurse Cathy Anderson. A car that approached her station stopped, paused for a couple of brief questions and the inoculation, and was moving on its way in less than 30 seconds.
The drive-through format adds a safety factor: isolation. Because patients don’t mingle there is less chance of swapping germs, Hardy said.
The department received 700 doses through a federal grant, and used them all by around 10:30 a.m. The clinic was scheduled to start at 8:30 but Bolen said patients were waiting when workers arrived so they started 15 minutes early.
The setup is similar to that used for hurricane relief to distribute food and water, Bolen said. “We could use it for a plethora of emergencies.”
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.
Local News
Related Photos
-
John Flavell
Discussion
Flu clinic a success
Health officials ready in case of mass emergency
- Local News
-
-
Business touts better living
Yvette Pennington is a true believer in the power of living better as we live longer.
-
Police beat: 2/9/12
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Safe Harbor benefits from Shop and Share Day
Shop and Share Day brought a record number of donations to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky.
-
Local briefs: 2/9/12
For the fifth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has given the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center funding to support the Hands of Hope grant program.
-
Judge's ruling paralyzes General Assembly
Confusion reigns in the wake a judge’s ruling that state redistricting maps passed by the General Assembly are unconstitutional. That ruling says until the legislature offers a plan which meets constitutional muster, 2012 candidates for the legislature must run in the districts drawn 10 years ago.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Business touts better living
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
