MU Health sees largest vaccination event turnout ever Saturday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Nearly 1,900 patients attended Saturday's vaccination event at MU Health, the most ever, according to spokesperson Eric Slusher.
On Saturday, MU Health Care offered drive-thru flu shots, and the updated COVID-19 shot at South Providence Medical Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
MU Health Care will also be vaccine events at the same time on October 14th and October 28th.
According to a press release from MU Health Care, due to the type of COVID vaccination MU Health received, the new COVID vaccine will only be available to individuals over 12 years old.
Originally, they planned to have vaccinations available to ages six years and up by the time of the event. They expect to have those vaccinations at future events.
Flu shots are available for adults and children six months and over.
People planning on attending the event should make sure they bring their insurance cards. Bringing your vaccination card is also encouraged. Anyone with a MU Health Care employee badge should also bring it with them.
Patients will be asked to sign a consent form from their vehicle before the shot is administered.
There are various reasons as to why people get vaccinated, and for patient Meredith Donaldson her reason is her community and family.
"I believe that its my civic duty to take care of other people by treating myself," Donaldson said after receiving her COVID-19 and flu shots. "I have older friends, I have grandchildren and Im doing it for them,” she continued.
MU Health Care is also asking patients planning to get vaccinated to wear loose clothing, preferably short sleeved shirts. This is also important to consider for young children as well who will be given the shot in their thigh.
Dr. Laura Morris from MU Health Care Family Practice says one of the event's goals is to make vaccinations more convenient for patients to get.
“It’s really about making vaccines accessible and convenient, and we know those are some of the barriers that prevent people from getting vaccinated. So we want to try to address that as well as we can by providing vaccines," Morris said.
The drive-thru clinic on South Providence is not the only clinic available to get shots.
Mizzou Pharmacy locations will host vaccination clinics in October and people with established care with an MU Health Care provider can schedule an appointment for their shots. Extended vaccination hours will be available at some locations, upon appointment.
MU Health Care serves 114 counties across Missouri with over 6,000 staff members administering care to 240,000 patients a year.
