Helen Salisbury: How will we run flu clinics in a pandemic?

Abstract

In previous years, the queue for our flu vaccine clinic has been in place well before we open the doors. Patients pile into the waiting room, register with the reception staff, and roll up their sleeves in anticipation. There’s jolly banter between neighbours and occasional harrumphing if people think they’ve been kept waiting too long. Doctors and nurses try not to be drawn into too much conversation before giving the injection, preceded by the traditional warning, “Sharp scratch” (although, as it really isn’t a scratch, I’ve resorted to saying, “Sharp, now”). We’ve been thinking about how to run our clinics this year, considering the need …