Flu Shots- Taking Off

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to set up a mobile influenza clinic in a non traditional medical setting
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to organize community leadership for public health outreach
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to interest media in flu messages

Background:
The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI), Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) Phoenix Fire Department (PFD) and Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) partnered last year on a comprehensive media campaign that reminded household contacts that “it's not too late to get vaccinated”. Several news events were organized throughout the season that complemented the ad messages including a free flu clinic at Sky Harbor Airport the first week of February.

Setting:
Flu clinic sites were set up in four locations of Sky Harbor Airport's largest terminal on both non secure and secure sides.

Population:
Individuals of all ages that were traveling to and from Phoenix, travelers that were connecting to other cities, employees of Sky Harbor Airport and vendor services, and individuals from the surrounding community that were looking for flu shots were served at the airport's free clinic.

Project Description:
TAPI coordinated the effort of fifteen organizations using donated flu vaccine to set up four sites in the airport offering TIV an LAIV to everyone. Each organization involved sent staff to recruit, screen, give shots and talk to media. Local media participated each day to help deliver the messages that the vaccine was still available and inform their audiences about the impact of flu in Arizona.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Over 2000 immunizations were given to Arizona residents and visitors from 32 states and seven countries who thought it was too late to get the vaccine. Many organizations discovered the value of partnering and are planning future events.