Stick-up in Tinicum: Drivethru flu shot clinic a big hit
TINICUM » The drive-thru isn’t just a way to get our banking done or pick up some fast food. It’s also a way to get a free flu shot.
Delaware County officials brought back the popular drive-thru flu shot clinic Friday to Tinicum Township Fire Company so people could cruise on through one of the fire station bays and get the flu vaccine without stepping out of their cars.
Approximately 130 people got their free shots during the drive-thru’s first few hours, adding to the 350 other residents who received their shots through previous county flu shot clinics on Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 in Drexel Hill and Havertown, respectively.
Small lines of cars were lining up during the lunch hour to get their shot, first answering a simple questionnaire and then proceeding through the firehouse where they were told to roll up their sleeve and turn off their engines while the shot is administered. Throw a bandage at the injection site on the person’s arm and they can cruise on through to whatever else the day brings.
Dr. George Avetian, senior medical adviser for the county, said after 12 o’clock that it wasn’t as busy as they’d like, but that many people may have already received their flu shot by then.
Avetian last month predicted a strong flu season based on what’s happening in the southern hemisphere. He noted that Australia is having one of its worst flu outbreaks, and that may follow suit here. Using southern hemispherical data points gives the county a barometer of the season’s potential.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs and can be a mild to severe illness. Signs and symptoms include fever, cough, muscle or body aches, runny nose and fatigue. Flu season can run from late November to March with February being the month where it commonly peaks.