McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

October 17, 2009

Hartshorne VA planning flu shot clinic Saturday

By Mandy Carter

The Hartshorne VA Outpatient Clinic will host a Drive Thru Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We suggest they get this seasonal shot before receiving an H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination,” said acting Public Affairs Officer Greg Sorenson from the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee.

While this is the first time flu shots have been offered through the Hartshorne VA Outpatient Clinic, it’s becoming an annual affair at other locations.

“We’ve done this for the past two years here in Muskogee, and in Tulsa, as well,” said Nurse Manager of Primary Care Lottie Goff.

“We averaged 300 to 350 vaccinations in Muskogee, and about the same in Tulsa. We anticipate 150 to 200 or so will come out to the clinic at Hartshorne.” The clinic is only offering seasonal flu vaccines at this time.

“We don’t have the H1N1 vaccines, yet,” Goff said. “We’ve been told we will get a limited supply, but we’ve not been given a date on them yet.”

Goff said letters were sent to all veterans informing them of the upcoming drive-thru clinics, and stressed that those requesting vaccinations be sure to bring their letters, as well as their VA identification cards, with them when they come to the clinic in the parking lot located at 1429 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hartshorne.

For more information, call 888-878-1598