A little pinch was given to thousands of people who came to the parking lot of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Wednesday to get the H1N1 vaccine including Johnny Henderson and his family, the last people of the day to get the shot and just in time.
“We got lucky, I drove really fast,” said Johnny Henderson. “I went to get a flu shot a few weeks ago and had to drive downtown for it and they ran out when they got to me so I didn’t get it. So I guess this all comes back around so we got it this time.”
For some, getting in line at the very end of the day was a strategic move.
Ashley Dunn planned it saying, “not long, that’s why I waited so late at night. I figured it would be long lines all day and I didn’t really want to wait in line, so we did homework and now here we are.”
12,613 people got the H1N1 vaccination Wednesday and originally, the health department had only 15,000 doses to give out for two days.
“We’ve been very successful in getting the target groups, which is the pediatrics, pregnant women, caretakers for kids under 6 months of age. It’s been so successful that we feel comfortable reallocating some of the vaccine that we’ve been sending out to doctor’s offices as a part of that initial 40 thousand or so push that we’ve been making,” said Adewale Troutman of the Metro Health Department.
So Thursday, instead of just giving out the remaining 3000 doses, the health department will give out an additional 7000 vaccinations at both the walk through and drive through clinics which officials expect to be just as busy as it was Wednesday.
And while not everyone may be happy out getting this shot, Dr. Adewale Troutman says this, so far, has been a huge success.
“The response has been so tremendous today.”
For Thursday's clinic, 10,000 doses will be given out on a first come, first served basis from 8:00 a.m. until they run out which could be early.
You'll only be able to make a right turn into the clinic, when you drive south on Floyd Street from Central Avenue. Cars will exit onto Park Boulevard.
You can either walk up or drive-through but you cannot start lining up until 7:00 a.m. No appointments are necessary.
The vaccination is free but consent forms are needed for children younger than 18.
The Metro Health Department encourages you to print and fill out these consent forms ahead of time to help the lines move faster. They also suggest wearing short sleeve t-shirts to give nurses easy access.
TARC will offer free bus service to the clinics from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day from the following five area locations:
- Urban Government Center, 810 Barret Ave.
- East Government Center, 200 Juneau Dr.
- Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
- Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
- The Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway
The buses will run approximately every 30 minutes from these sites to Papa John’s Stadium.
The Metro Health Dept. plans to hold more community-wide clinics in the coming weeks as more vaccine become available. They also plan to hold H1N1 clinics at public, parochial and private schools later this month.
Expect heavy traffic on Floyd Street because of these clinics. The area should be avoided entirely, if possible. Also, bear in mind that Floyd Street traffic will be limited to one way, southbound only, from Central Avenue to Crittenden Drive. Those who park in Green Lot A, south of Central Avenue, will need to use the "tunnel" under Central Avenue to exit.
Also, volunteers are desperately needed to help out at the event. This is a great community service opportunity for individuals or groups.
Volunteers will assist in areas such as distributing consent forms, directing patients and providing general support. No medical experience is necessary.
If you have any other questions, call 568-H1N1.
