BURIEN, Wash. - We are used to hitting drive-throughs to get cash or to satisfy hunger cravings, but now some people are getting something totally different when they pull through a new, temporary drive through in Burien.
The Group Health Burien Medical Center is offering some of its patients drive through flu shots. It's a process that takes just a few minutes, and allows people to get the vaccine without even stepping out of the comfort of their car.
The drive-through is geared primarily towards the clinic's older patients, who might have a hard time getting around.
"I have a sore knee so this helps," said patient Elizabeth Etzkorn. "I think this is great! I was expecting to stand in line but boy, in and out!"
Some, like Violet Fournier, pull up with their sleeves already rolled up.
"This is something new, and it's nice," she said.
In just four days, nearly 600 people have gotten the vaccine in the drive-through. For the nurses administering the shots, it means standing under a tent and using gloves and space heaters to stay warm between patients. But the clinic's manager says they are thrilled with the response.
"They are absolutely loving this," said Becky Dolan. "I mean, it's about 40 degrees this morning. They're in a heated car, they don't have to get out. If they're elderly and they have problems with walking or whatever they don't have to get out and slip you know, so they love it."
The Burien Group Health does not have the H1N1 vaccine yet, and offers the drive-through only on specially scheduled days. The next one is slated for Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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