Coming soon to a theater near you: A flu shot clinic

ISSUE: During the influenza vaccine shortage of 2004, a large Midwest health system had received 6000 more doses of influenza vaccine (previously ordered) than needed for its patient/employee needs under the modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. A plan was needed to implement a fair distribution in a community that was in serious need of vaccine. PROJECT: A task force consisting of occupational health, infection control, marketing and administrative personnel collaborated with other health agencies and local health departments to distribute vaccine at one site. The site had to 1) be easily accessible to all in the affected community, 2) have space to control lines of people comfortably during potential winter weather, 3) be handicap-accessible for the very young and elderly populations, 4) have close parking for at least 500 cars, 5) have close, accessible bus/shuttle parking also available, 6) be available for enough hours to accommodate the possible vaccination of 6000 individuals, and 7) render itself easily to crowd control. RESULTS: A local movie theater was chosen for the vaccination project. It contained eight mid-sized theaters in the central section of the city easily accessible by the interstate, major streets, and bus routes. Clinic was held during morning hours of three consecutive days to accommodate both employed individuals and the elderly. Advertisement noted that up to 2000 doses would be given each day. Shuttles were available to bring individuals to the front door of the theater. In the theater lobby, individuals were quickly screened to be sure they met CDCʹs criteria, given a numbered “movie pass” to a specific theater based upon their needs (i.e., babies, Medicare age, immunocompromised patients). Multiple paperwork and vaccination stations were located in the front of each theater. If needed, patients were invited to have a seat to wait. Once finished, patients were directed out through either available emergency doors close to parking or out the second theater entrance. LESSONS LEARNED: Local theaters can be excellent facilities to effectively vaccinate or treat large masses of people in a short time. These facilities are also usually located close to large populations and usually have adequate parking, handicap accessibility, plenty of seating, restrooms, and food supply if needed. They also can add a “fun” element to a serious activity. What could be more fun than getting a flu shot with a bag of popcorn and a great movie!