Hollister
– For the hundreds of people who lined up in front of the
Veterans’ Memorial Building, it was just a chance to get a free flu
shot. But for San Benito County’s Health and Human Services Agency,
Friday morning also provided a test of the county’s emergency
preparedness.
Hollister – For the hundreds of people who lined up in front of the Veterans’ Memorial Building, it was just a chance to get a free flu shot. But for San Benito County’s Health and Human Services Agency, Friday morning also provided a test of the county’s emergency preparedness.
Samela Perez, health education project director for HHS, said the agency wanted to examine its operational readiness, interagency coordination, public health disaster planning and resource gaps.
“But we wanted to do something good for the community, too,” she said. “By giving free flu shots, it was a win-win situation.
“It went very well. We didn’t have any problems at all.”
Vaccinations were given to county residents who were 60 or older or had a chronic disease such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Emergency Services Specialist Efrem Gomez estimated that 130 people came through the building’s doors during the event’s first half hour. According to Perez, and people were lining up outside several hours before the flu shots began at 10am.
“They wanted to make sure they got a shot,” she said. “We’re very appreciative that they came, because the test is only good if people show up.”
By noon, the flood of shot recipients had slowed to a trickle. Martha Quintero said the process went quickly and smoothly.
“It didn’t even take five minutes,” she said.
Dr. Elizabeth Falade said a number of local agencies participated in yesterday’s clinic, including Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, the Hollister Police Department, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Emergency Services and the county’s communication department.
She added that the test showed the county’s readiness for “anytime we need to prophylax (give someone a pill or a shot to prevent illness) a large number of people for any communicative disease” such as smallpox or pandemic flu.
Perez said 250 of the 400 available flu shots were used.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or
ah*@fr***********.com
.
