Ken Jones Respite Program holds annual Flu Shot Day
The Ken Jones Respite-kjc ( a program of the Missisquoi North Volunteer CENTRE-CABMN) in Mansonville held its annual flu shot day for clients and family members on Thursday, November 19 at the Youth/ KJC Centre.
The KJC is a weekly program every Thursday that offers respite to families and a fun activity day out for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. While the group is presently unable to meet due to the Covid pandemic, it normally takes place from morning until afternoon offering crafts, music, games, bowling and an atmosphere of friendship and caring. Coordinated and animated by CABMN staff, Sheila Samborsky and Eszter Csiszer, the program is a highlight for clients and admittedly, both women feel they get a lot from their time spent with the group as well.
Each year the duo organize flu shot day in collaboration with the CIUSSSE/ CHUS for the clients and their families.
“This makes it convenient and since it is conducted in a place that the participants are comfortable in surrounded by friends,” said Samborsky, “it makes it less stressful
an experience for them.”
Including the participants, 23 people got the shot administered by CIUSSSE/CHUS workers, Britanny Montmony and Marylene Bureau, who did an excellent job calming nerves and making the experience as painless as possible.
Samborsky and Csiszer had set up a waiting area that assured social distancing and as people entered, their temperatures were taken and mandatory hand disinfecting and masks were a must. Following each person’s exit, the chairs and tables were sanitized by the two who have clearly mastered Covid precautions.
“We are proud to be able to offer
this service to our clients and their families each year,” explains Csiszer. “These people are very important to us and keeping them safe and healthy is always a priority.”
For more information about the Ken Jones Respite program visit the CABMN website at: www.cabmn.org or call the CAB at 450-292-3114. All calls will be referred to Samborsky and Csiszer, who will be happy to explain the program and the requirements for joining.
Regarding the flu shot day experience, one of the clients put it best after freshly exiting the injection room when I asked her if it hurt and she replied, “Only when you talk about it.”