Long lines mark annual flu clinic

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

More than 100 residents pulled up to the front doors of the First United Methodist Church to get a shot in the arm.

Bourbon County Public Health Nurse Alice Maffitt said that the approximately 130 residents who participated in Wednesday's annual drive-thru flu shot clinic signified a great turnout. The clinic was sponsored by the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.

"It was well turned out and well received," she said.

For a majority of the morning, Maffitt said the line of cars was backed up through the church entrance, along Fourth Street all the way back to Main Street.

"We had a long line there and we kept it up to about 11:30 (Wednesday morning,)" she said.

The numbers were slightly lower that last year.

Maffitt said that the reason for the reduced numbers could be attributed to the H1N1 scare, as well as the availability of the flu shot through other agencies earlier in the year.

"We had, probably, a little more participation last year, but it's close," she said.

The execution of the event was a team effort, according to Maffitt. Nursing students from Fort Scott Community College assisted for the first time, while volunteers from the church and representatives from the Fort Scott Fire Department were also on hand.

She added other agencies involved included Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott Police Department and Fort Scott Public Works Department.

"We have all those different agencies being represented," she said. "This is their community and we want to try to work with all the different agencies."

Maffitt said the event served as practice for emergency cases which may require mass disbursement of medication. She said the primary location for mass disbursement of medication is Fort Scott Middle School, however, the church could be considered as an alternative for those who cannot stand in long lines.

Next year's event is expected to be a little different and focus on cutting down wait times. Maffitt said that the biggest change organizers want to make is offering two lines -- one for those paying with cash and one for those paying with an insurance card.

"Hopefully we will be able to move them along even faster next year," she said.

In addition, Maffitt said they are considering beginning the event earlier in the day to accommodate residents wanting to receive a flu shot before heading to work.