College Of The Canyons To Host Walk-In Flu-Clinic

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Santa Clarita News October 17, 2013 - 3:41 pm 0 163 Views

The city of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and College of the Canyons are working together to host a walk-through flu-shot event on Friday, Nov. 15.

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The flu-immunization Point of Dispension will be held at the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus, where seasonal flu-shots will be administered. The walk-through clinic will be in the East Physical Education building, with parking open to the public in the adjacent lots. The flu vaccine will be dispensed free of charge on Friday, Nov. 15th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last.

This year marks the eighth consecutive year of the POD. More than 150 volunteers from the participating agencies help coordinate the event each year. COC nursing students administer most of the vaccinations and EMT students are part of the pre-screening process as well, giving students valuable, hands-on experience from the event.

Nurses from the county Department of Public Health, the college and volunteer nurses will be on hand to lend their knowledge and expertise.

“The flu POD has proven to be a valuable service to the community and we look forward to making the immunizations available at the Valencia campus again this year,” said Eric Harnish, COC’s vice president for public information.

In addition, the flu POD also tests the community’s Cities Readiness Initiative response in the case of a bioterrorism attack or potential pandemic. The purpose of the CRI plan is to treat an impacted, mass population with medications within a short time period.

Every year, more people are trained to assume responsibilities within the POD structure, enhancing preparedness in the case of future disasters. In the event of a large outbreak of disease or a bio-terrorist attack, many sites similar to this one in Santa Clarita could be needed to serve affected California communities.

Since the college’s Valencia campus is conveniently located near freeways and major arteries, the campus makes an ideal location for an emergency POD if it becomes necessary.

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