Mass flu clinic provides a shot to the old immune system

Community members around Holmes County were rolling up their sleeves last week, and for their efforts, they were having a needle jabbed into their arm.

But they were more than willing to do so, participating in the annual health department mass flu clinic, which took place at both county high schools.

This year, with the H1N1 virus seemingly a thing of the past, far fewer people came out to West Holmes High School for the annual mass flu clinic put on by the Holmes County Health Department on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Two years ago H1N1 was putting fear in the hearts of everyone, creating lengthy waiting lines, as people scrambled to get whatever prevention they could to fend off the frightening strain of flu virus that had claimed several lives in Ohio.

This year, with those fears alleviated, there was a lot less stress on those conducting the clinic, which included members of the health department, a number of volunteer nurses, and both teachers and students from the high school. And although the H1N1 virus has seemingly taken a backseat this winter, the health department remained adamant that getting a flu shot is still the best form of prevention from the flu this winter.

“Getting a flu vaccine is still the best way from preventing yourself from getting sick this winter,” said Beth Crone, operation chief for the clinic. “We prepared for about 250 people tonight, although we have enough for 400. Usually we have about twice as many here as we do at Hiland. We still recommend that everyone get the vaccine, because it does help.”

Just more than 100 people came through the line for either shots or the nasal mist at Hiland on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and the estimate of close to 200 at West Holmes was nearly right on, as families took advantage of the low $25 fee for the flu vaccines being offered.

Crone said that since the H1N1 scare has passed by, and people have put getting vaccinated far from their top priority of things to do, they knew there would be a lot fewer people. She also said that people can now get flu vaccines at a number of places, including their personal physicians and even companies are offering vaccines to their employees.

“It’s not as pressing now that H1N1 has died down, and people have a lot of other options in addition to coming here,” said Crone. “But you can bet that tomorrow morning when we open up at the health department, being the first day the shots will be available there, there will be a lot of people coming in who for whatever reason didn’t want to come out here tonight. That’s fine, whatever makes them more comfortable. We’re just glad they are getting their vaccine no matter where they get it.”

Patrons at West Holmes High School could enter the building and fill out the paperwork for themselves and their children, then wait their turn for either the vaccine shot or the nasal spray. Crone said that the nasal spray vaccines, because of the expense, were offered in limited supply, and by the time the third hour rolled around, many children were frantic when they realized that the nasal spray was gone, and only the dreaded shots remained. However, even though the shots brought tears, the imagination of what the pain would be and the fear of needles far outweighed the actual pain incurred.

In addition to waiting in turn, the health department also offered a drive-by vaccine, in which elderly and handicapped patrons could pull up to the curb outside the gymnasium, have all of their paperwork brought directly to them and have their vaccine administered without ever having to leave their automobile.

These aptly named drive-by shootings of the vaccine saved time for many, and was a nice addition to the event. With the health department accepting both Medicaid and Medicare, and with vaccines being administered to people age 18 and under for only $10, it was no wonder that the vast majority of patrons coming to the event were senior citizens and youth.

“I think that there are a lot of families for whom getting a flu vaccine is something they have always done, so they continue to come in,” said Crone. “Usually seniors and children are the most apt to be hit by the flu virus, so it is good for them to get in here. There are a lot of reasons people don’t want to get a vaccine, and that is their choice. But here you’re paying $25, and $10 for children for a vaccination. How much are you going to pay if you get the flu and get sick? You’re going to run into a lot more medical expense if that happens, so why not take the precautionary route.”

Anyone who did not get their vaccine and would like one may contact the health department at 330-674-5035 to set up an appointment.