Cars inched up Elm Street to Newman Regional Health on Wednesday as approximately 950 drivers and passengers took advantage of the hospital’s drive-through flu shot clinic.
“We were busy all morning, really up until about 2 o’clock, and then finally we got caught up,” said Nancy LeClear, Newman director of marketing and education. “We ran out of vaccine just almost at 5 o’clock.”
LeClear said that the health center at Emporia State University provided the vaccine that enabled Newman to hold the clinic.
“We were just so happy that they called and said, ‘Would you like to have this because they sent us a double shipment,’ ” she said. “It was funny how everything fell into place.”
While the clinic was a convenience for many residents, it was especially helpful for others who have difficulties getting in and out of medical offices.
“We had a lot of people who weren’t able to get out, they were in wheelchairs, or not able to walk long distances, and we were glad that we could do it,” she said.
LeClear said that the hospital expects another shipment of vaccine by Nov. 30 and plans to hold a walk-in clinic soon after the shipment arrives. The dates and times will be announced.
The hospital provided flu shots today at the Emporia Senior Center and will visit surrounding senior centers within the next few days.
The senior center schedule is:
North Lyon County, Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; Olpe, Thursday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Hartford, Monday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon; Americus, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to noon; Neosho Rapids, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LeClear asked participants to wear short-sleeved shirts and to bring Medicare or Medicare cards, if applicable.
“The flu season lasts through the end of March, so absolutely the first part of December is a very good time to have it,” LeClear said. “It’s not too late.”