To support the health and well-being of our communities against both the flu and COVID-19, Carle Health again sponsored several drive-through flu shot clinics throughout Champaign-Urbana, Mattoon and Danville during various weekends in October. These yearly clinics provide easy access to flu protection for vulnerable patients, including elderly and immune-compromised patients.
Because they are weekend clinics and there is no need to schedule an appointment in advance, the drive-thru method allows patients to visit a clinic, receive their flu shot and be on their way without ever having to leave their vehicle. In this way, a large amount of the population can receive a flu shot before the flu virus can spread throughout the community.
“We extend a grateful thank you to the Carle team members who participated in these clinics which help stop the spread of flu and COVID-19 and who continue to perform the services which keep our communities healthy,” says Ryan Clutts, EMT-1, Emergency Management Training and Resource Coordinator.
Knowing that these clinics have a positive have a positive impact on their communities is what motivates our team members to continue to run these clinics every year. “It’s about prevention,” Katie Tuggle, RN said. “We’re all very happy to be able to serve the community like this.”
“These clinics are important, especially for elderly and immune-compromised members of the community,” says Josie Persons, BSN, RN. “It’s easier for them because they don’t have to leave their cars. And we have a great time doing it!” Because these clinics happen inside the communities that Carle serves, we also listen to feedback from the community and look for ways to improve the service, such as switching from walk-in appointments to the drive-thru method.
“It’s good for elderly community members with walkers or wheelchairs because in the past, they would have to walk inside for a flu shot, so they really love the drive through,” says Denise Long, the Patient Care Manager in Danville. “Plus, they can still get a flu shot if there’s bad weather. The staff enjoy doing this- helping and interacting with our patients.”
Ensuring the safety of the Carle team members working at these clinics and who care for patients on a daily basis is also a crucial part of preventing the spread of influenza. Flu clinics also took place at various Carle locations to provide an opportunity for staff members to receive a flu shot to help protect them as they continue to care for the community this fall and winter.
Because of Carle’s drive-thru clinic team members, Carle Health was able to provide community members with 3,987 flu shots across all three locations before the height of flu season.
These clinics also provided 1,187 COVID-19 booster shots to community members. The internal clinics provided an additional 254 flu shots and 127 COVID-19 booster shots to Carle employees.
If you could not visit one of the drive through clinics or Carle locations, community members can still receive their annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot at their local pharmacy. Many of these pharmacies offer both walk-in and reserved appointments. It’s also important to continue safe practices to prevent the spread of germs. This includes washing your hands with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are already sick and cleaning touched surfaces like keyboards or door knobs.
Carle will continue to support the health and wellness of our communities by providing impactful services that patients need.
For more information on the services Carle Health provides, visit carle.org/services.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up