Flu Shots

So as I have mentioned before, I am a volunteer for the OC Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). I signed up to help give flu shots at the OC Health Care Agency on Monday and I really enjoyed it. I was one of 6 volunteer vaccinators for the seasonal flu, and there were 4 vaccinators for the H1N1 that were hired to work from an agency. Most of the people that came in were there for the H1N1, so we were pretty slow. I think I gave about 50 shots all day and then 7 flumists (in the nose)...and I was there for 9 hours (1 hr lunch)! Oh, and I was the youngest vaccinator there. We must have given about 300+ seasonal flu shots and there must have been almost 1000 there for H1N1. There was almost always a line of 15+ people for H1N1.

Whenever I did not have a patient, which was quite often, I would prepare/draw up more shots, label vaccination cards to give patients, or chat with the nurse sitting at the table in front of me. Her name was Pam and she is an oncology nurse (pretty neat since I have been working in Oncology). She also grew up on the East Coast, so we talked a little about that too. I felt really comfortable asking her questions and I really enjoyed talking to her (but I also had fun with some of the other nurses too - especially the ones who stayed till the very end with me because Pam and 1 other vaccinator left after lunch). I feel like Pam and I talked about so many different things, which was great and she was so sweet - having her there made me more comfortable and my experience more rewarding.

Many patients would make comments about us being bored, but even though it was a little boring at times, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the conversations with people, even if they were pretty brief. I was happy to be able to volunteer my time to help do that and it was a really good experience. I definitely feel great at IM shots, but the screening part is where I get confused. About a month ago, I also volunteered to give flu shots at a school, through the MRC, but when I got there they had me help a nurse screen the patients beforehand and later I helped draw up medications (I think we vaccinated over 1500 people that day!). The screening is so confusing because we have to ask if they have received any vaccines lately and/or in the past, if they have any allergies/asthma (especially if allergic to eggs), if pregnant, any medical conditions, etc. Then, people between the ages of 2-49 can get the flumist if they want it, pregnant women have to have a special vaccine, over age 65 may not need H1N1, children have to come back for a second dose (depending on age), etc. You can probably see how this can get overwhelming! I have definitely learned a lot from it all and, like I said, it has been a great experience. I enjoyed it so much that I might sign up for another shift next week. :)

For my nursing friends out there - if you live in OC, you should join the MRC too!! Maybe we can sign up for events like this together! :D http://www.ochealthinfo.com/mrc/