Skaggs administers $17,000 of flu vaccine

“At the very last minute, we were notified that we wouldn’t receive all of our ordered vaccine,” said Rebecca Tough, RN, of Skaggs’ community wellness department, in a news release.

Clinic costs

The cost of the vaccine was approximately $17,000, Tough said.

That amount, she added, doesn’t include time volunteered by Skaggs employees for the clinics.

Traditionally, Skaggs has given about 3,000 free shots to community members at the clinics, which have operated for eight years.

The clinics were cancelled in 2004 because of lack of vaccine due to manufacturing problems, and this year’s clinics – Oct. 29 in Branson and Nov. 5 in Branson West – served fewer patients than usual because of vaccine distribution problems.

Prevention

Tough encourages all high-risk individuals to contact their doctors’ offices or local health departments to obtain flu shots.

“Also, during flu season, it’s important for everyone to practice good hand-washing techniques, avoid crowds and stay home from work or school when sick,” she added.

During the clinics $2,300 in donations were accepted.

The money will go to the Skaggs Foundation, and will be used to provide health care services such as future drive-through shot clinics.

Since the first drive-through flu shot clinic in 1997, Skaggs has given approximately 19,500 flu shots to community members, hospital employees and hospital volunteers.