Cars Line Up In Droves For Vernon Drive-Up Flu Shot Clinic

VERNON, CT — Vernon's traveling road show of vaccines turned to the flu shot Thursday and a drive-up clinic at a local church was a hit.

St. Bernard Church in Rockville was the latest segment of the nationally recognized vaccination program sponsored by the town of Vernon in partnership with Ellington-based Priority Urgent Care.

The clinic began at 2 p.m. and, in the first 30 minutes, 29 people had received shots and another eight were lined up. The count was up to 50 by 3 p.m. with three hours still to go.

The clinic had both drive-up and walk-up options.

The clinic was open to everyone. People with health insurance were asked to present their insurance cards, but were not to be billed beyond what their insurance companies pay. Those without insurance were not to be charged.

"We are pleased to offer this opportunity for a convenient flu vaccination," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said.

Flu vaccinations are a simple way to help prevent folks from getting what can become a serious illness, said Dr. Daksh Rampal of Priority Urgent Care.

"The flu is a dangerous illness, especially to the elderly, children and people who have chronic conditions," Rampal said. "A seasonal flu shot offers safe and effective protection against illness and is recommended by medical and public health experts."