The parking lot next to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium filled up Wednesday and traffic was moving slowly up as the first H1N1 vaccination clinic got underway. The gates opened at 8 a.m., but people were lined up outside for hours before that.
Crews worked throughout the week to set up tents for the largest public inoculation program in Louisville’s history.
The health department is giving out 15,000 doses of the swine flu vaccine for two days. The vaccine is a combination of injections and nasal mist doses.
The clinics are for those who are considered to be high risk but officials say no one will be turned away.
High risk individuals include; pregnant women, children 6 months to 4 years, people who live with or care for children under 6 months old, children 5-18 who have chronic medical conditions, healthcare workers, and emergency first responders.
The clinics are Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the parking lots south of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Clinics will be held as long as the vaccine supply lasts.
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.
