LEE`S SUMMIT, Mo. – Influenza puts more than 200,000 Americans in emergency rooms each year, although it is preventable. If you haven`t gotten your flu shot, experts say now is the time.
Instead finding food at this drive-through, participants will find a warm and convenient way to get their flu shots. Signs and cones mark the path to prevention at Saint Luke’s East Hospital Saturday.
“We`re providing 500 free flu shots for anyone who will come out,” said Gloria Solis, who works at St. Luke’s East Hospital.
‘Anyone’ includes those who want to beat the flu and the colder temperatures. A drive-thru flu shot clinic, which means drivers and passengers fought the flu with ease.
“It was very convenient, love it,” said Cherri Cobb, who received her flu shot Saturday.
Drivers came around the curve after a quick stop at the donation station.
“You bring a canned good or a lightly-used jacket for Lee`s Summit Social Services,” said Solis.
Then, they were off to fill out paperwork.
“We do a very quick assessment of how you`re feeling, and the demographics, so we can send that information to your physician,” said Solis.
A couple minutes later, drivers found themselves rolling the window down and the sleeve up.
“It was an activity for the kids to see that we take care of our health and get our flu shot done quickly for this year,” said Cobb. “You just swing around, roll up your sleeve, get an injection and you`re on your way.”
Less than ten minutes in and out, time organizers say is well-spent.
“It`s critical because every year we have thousands of deaths that are occurring needlessly. There will be well over two-hundred thousand folks who flee to our emergency rooms this season,” said Solis.
Organizers told FOX 4 that the window to get your flu shot is between now and the end of November. They also said the sooner, the better.