Dade County Health Drill Gives Out Free Flu Shots

     A health drill in Dade County benefits both the workers and the public.
     Not only could health professionals practice for a real emergency, but they also gave out free flu shots.
     They had all of Dade County's supply of flu shots there and could give them all out.
     WDEF News 12's Mandy Odom has more in medical news.
     Randall Smith says, "Everybody can do it. It don't cost you nothing."
     Randall Smith thinks everyone should get a flu shot since it is so easy, but this drive thru is more than what meets the eye.
     Tim Allee with Northwest Georgia Public Health says, "Have an opportunity to test our preparedness. Our ability to supply mass vaccination to the public in the event of an emergency, and in this case we are able to give free flu shots to the citizens who are here to help us."
     This was the first time Northwest Georgia Public Health has tried a drill like this one.
     Hundreds of people took them up on the offer, causing them to open up a second line.
     James Linder says, "It was really a great experience. I mean very quick, easy, in and out, and you don't have to get out of your car, so it's really the best way to actually get a flu shot."
     Linder brought his two daughters to the drive thru clinic, and thinks it was better than taking them to the doctor.
     He says the staff was quick, orderly, and professional.
     Allee says, "It really lets us know the ability of staffing that we need to handle that."
     Linder says, "Everybody got a flu shot. Just in case. You never know."
     In Dade County, Mandy Odom, WDEF News 12.
     Health officials recommend flu shots for anyone older than 6 months.
     The Walker County health department will give out flu shots on October 15th from 8:30 to 2:30.