Running Over the Flu Bug in a “Drive Thru” Vaccination Clinic

Abstract

ISSUE: Influenza causes approximately 115,000 acute-care hospitalizations and kills an average of 36,000 people annually. The highest death rates are usually among the elderly and those with serious chronic illnesses. In communities with large numbers of high-risk populations, healthcare organizations should strive to be active participants in mass immunization efforts. “Drive thru” flu vaccination clinics are popular and attract large numbers of people. PROJECT: As a part of Park Ridge Hospital's mission to meet community health needs and focus on disease prevention, the hospital conducts an annual flu vaccine “drive thru” without charging a fee to any participant and without filing for reimbursement. Planning for the event is very laborious, including the following: advertising, tent rentals, table and chair rentals, traffic patterns, flu shot information phone line, police assistance, nurse and clerical worker orientation, consents and vaccine information sheets, medical supplies, rain gear, generators, heaters, etc. RESULTS: During the 2003, 28-hour, 3-day event, the hospital vaccinated approximately 10,000 people. This was a phenomenal feat for a 103-bed hospital. Two local TV affiliates even came out to cover the story because they wondered where all the traffic was headed. The longest time from participant entry into our community park until vaccination was 30 minutes (less than a typical physician office visit). LESSONS LEARNED: In 2004, we plan to have supply baskets stocked for vaccination of persons arriving in senior center vans, get tent permits to satisfy the Fire Marshall, screen participants for latex allergy, and have more nurses working.