November 15, 2009
Taylor Charles got both the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots at the same time—which he was not particularly happy about.
Ready or not, here's your Shot
by Donna Bach, YKHC Public Relations
The Mass Dispensing Clinic took place in Bethel at two locations on Saturday, November 7 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations were available for those who attended and an estimated 100 people showed up within the first half an hour at the armory alone to get their shots.
A group of 80 volunteers gathered on the Friday before at the Armory to set up and receive assignments specific to their duties for the event, including Bethel Regional High School's National Honor Society students. Colored pennies were distributed to groups who were in charge of greeting people, triage, running vaccinations, and dispensing the flu shots.
Patricia Naughton, Incident Commander, provided oversight of the MDC with instrumental preparation by Jeff Conner, co-Incident Commander. Command Staff included Safety Officer Shannon Freitas as well as several representatives from the City of Bethel EMS/Fire Dept. under the leadership of Fred Watson, Medical and Behavioral Health Consultants; and Police Chief Larry Elarton and Officer Chris Salyers.
Section Chiefs for the event: Operations Chief Lori Pruitt-Chikoyak, supported by Team Leaders Terry Perry, Colleen Osterhaus, Kelsey Hustedt, Colleen Palacios, Jessica Horras, and their teams; Logistics Chiefs Kathleen Stanton and Mary Berliner, supported by Team Leaders Brian Lefferts and Ken Eggleston, supported by their teams (including local ham radio volunteers); Planning Chief Matthew Scott, supported by Team Leaders Bev Hoffman, Charlie Barrow, Mary Whitaker, and Jennifer Peeks. The composite of individuals who helped spanned across many YK Delta organizations.
"We are very pleased with the showing of volunteers on the day of the MDC," said Planning Chief Matthew Scott. "Over two shifts we had well over 120 volunteers-at least 20 based out of the Yute Air post and nearly 100 at the Armory alone. We are grateful for the donations and locations supplied by individuals and businesses to feed the group throughout their shifts." Many local businesses, including A.C., Sammy's Market, Brother's Pizza and Subway provided donations in addition to community members who brought food.
Roy and Melanie Charles brought their whole family to the Yute Air terminal to get their vaccinations. "Our kids all visit their elderly grandparents every day and my youngest child is considered in the high risk category because of his asthma and susceptibility to pneumonia. We all get our flu shots every year and this year we are definitely getting both the H1N1 and seasonal vaccines, " Melanie said.
Roy received both the H1N1 and seasonal flu shot with his employer at YKHC. At the Yute terminal, Charles' nine year old Lauren went first, then mom, then 13- year-old William. The youngest boy, Taylor, went last.
While dad held him, shot dispensers Evalina Achee, RN, and Dana High, RN, acknowledged one another with a quick "ready?" to provide the vaccinations into each of Taylor's thighs simultaneously. The only one who responded to the question was the young boy, with a loud shout of "No!" as both nurses stuck him simultaneously with the vaccinations.
"He was the only one who cried," said big sister Lauren with a smile. The whole room of volunteers, nurses, transporters, and clinic crew gave him a cheer as he got off the chair of his father's lap and quickly exited the room.
"Thank goodness that's over with," said mom with a sigh of relief.
"The Mass Dispensing Clinic overall experienced tremendous success with turnout of volunteers and the public," said Lori Pruitt-Chikoyak, Section Chief of Operations and YKHC Infection Control nurse. The morning brought most of the rush and the number of shot seekers dwindled throughout the afternoon. The stream of traffic through Yute Airlines remained consistent, and so did the occasional cries from children.
At 3 p.m. the H1N1 vaccine supply ran out at the Armory. 789 H1N1 vaccines and 667 seasonal flu vaccines were dispensed throughout the day. Roughly 250 people came through at Yute Airlines to get their shots. The volume for the Armory was not available at time of publication.
"We still have plenty of seasonal flu vaccine to provide, but a shipment of more H1N1 vaccines is anticipated throughout the month," Pruitt-Chikoyak said, "Unfortunately, we just don't know how much."
Those who missed their shots at the MDC are encouraged to visit the Hospital through November 22 as well as PHN and the Bethel Family Clinic, which will provide vaccines during regular clinic hours. A vaccine dispensing table will be open 7 days a week from 3-8 p.m. at the Main Hospital entrance in Bethel.
For any additional questions about this year's flu shots please call 1-800-478-3321 ext 6955 or Public Health Nursing at 543-2110.
