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K.L.O secondary school opened Saturday to those who wanted the H1N1 shot and seasonal flu vaccine. There were no line ups and public health nurses could be seen at any given time with raised flags stating their availability
‘We’ve been finding our Saturdays to be a little quieter maybe because we are out of the way or not in the shopping mall, I’m not too sure. We are steady with no line ups but people are certainly coming in to get their shots,” said Eileen Smith, a team leader with public health nursing at the Rutland Health Unit.
People who are still in the dark regarding the procedures for getting the shot need not worry.
“Now people are directed to the clinic and are met by volunteer who will guide them to the proper line up, they will come to a registration table and will be asked if they are there for H1N1 or seasonal or both and then sent to the next available nurse,” said Colette Carfantan, a public health admin supervisor.
Smith said old and young alike are walking through the gym doors to get the jab with few problems.
“We’ve had all ages. We have had little tiny babies, pregnant women, middle aged and seniors. We’ve had one or two that were a little anxious but we tend to see that at the clinics and we haven’t had to call in any ambulances today.”
And unlike earlier clinics, there is no chance of this one running out of vaccine.
“We have more vaccine here today than we physically have the capability to give in terms of nursing power. We will not run out,” Smith added.
Smith’s child caught the swine flu and said it was very unpleasant and she was glad to get the shots for herself and her other children. She gave a warning to those who still have not had the vaccine.
“The disease is still out there, it’s still hospitalizing people, it’s still killing individuals. Even though it’s apparent that there aren’t as many getting sick right now we do anticipate in a few months we will have another wave of the illness come through so it’s a great idea to get protected now before that happens.”
The next clinic will be on Tuesday at Our Lady of Lords in West Kelowna and clinics will be running at various other locations throughout the week.
For more information go to: www.immunizebc.ca
Photos by Gary Moore
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Julina Costa, a 17-year old from Brasil gets the H1N1 shot.
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Leif Burge holds son Sam while Barb Ramos gets the vaccine.
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Sam Burge gets a jab while mom Barb holds him still for Public Health Nurse Deb Treadgold.
Tags: flu clinic, Kelowna
