Worth County conducting annual disaster drill, flu shot clinic

SYLVESTER — For the eighth year, officials in Worth County will be working to build on their emergency preparedness plans while distributing seasonal flu inoculations.

From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 4, emergency responders and community partners will sharpen their skills and test their preparedness at the annual community disaster drill and drive-thru flu shot clinic at the Worth County Agricultural Pavilion.

This year, the OneBlood Bloodmobile will be there accepting blood donations to anyone willing to give.

Roughly 20 community agencies, the same ones that respond in the event of a real disaster, put together the annual event, said Worth County Health Department Nurse Manager Gina Connell, one of the architects of the event.

“The event is important because it helps the community’s first responders prepare, lets agencies test emergency plans and additionally gives residents a chance to get vaccinated against flu without the inconvenience of leaving their vehicles,” she said.

Officials said it takes an average of six minutes to drive through the flu clinic.

“We do this because in a real disaster, we would have to take care of our own county and our own community for at least the first 24 to 48 hours before help from other counties or agencies could arrive,” she said.

Southwest Public Health District Emergency Preparedness Director Julie Miller said Worth County is a model community in the state when it comes to disaster preparedness. First responders and partner agencies are comfortable talking to each other and to the public, which officials said goes a long way during a real disaster.

“Worth County is ahead of the curve of many communities because this yearly combination disaster drill and drive-through flu clinic allows the community to become educated about how to work together during a crisis – before the crisis occurs,” she said. “The first responders work together like a well-oiled machine, and that is a testament to their dedication and the many hours of training and planning they put in.

“We saw first-hand how it paid off when the storm hit in January. Worth County’s response team pulled together quickly and professionally.”

Officials said the event site, located at the corner of Highway 313 and Rebecca Drive, next to the Worth County Public Works Office, was selected based on the ability to safely and easily manage the flow of traffic. Forms are provided to residents beforehand at the health department, located at 1012 W. Franklin St. in Sylvester, to be filled out prior to arriving at the clinic site.

“Of course, for those who don’t have forms, forget them, or need help filling them out, we have clinic helpers there to assist,” she said.

Only flu shots are provided during the drive-thru clinic. They are $30 per person, and the health department accepts cash, checks, Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and Coventry United HealthCare State Health Benefit Plan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against seasonal flu each year.

For more information about the clinic, call (229) 777-2150.