Cabrillo High School teacher Linda Signal receives her flu shot from Amanda Hewitt, a Hancock College nurse, during a drive-up clinic held at Lompoc High School on Wednesday.
Vanessa Uribe, a Hancock College nurse, applies a Band-Aid to Lompoc resident David Dykshoorn's arm after administering his flu shot at the drive-up clinic held at Lompoc High School on Wednesday.
Ruth Miza, a medical assistant with Lompoc County Health Clinic, left, and Gloria Castellanos, a volunteer nurse, ready supplies for the carloads of people waiting in line for a flu shot at the drive-thru clinic held at Lompoc High School on Wednesday.
A steady stream of vehicles entering in single-file fashion through Lompoc High School's parking lot Wednesday were met by medical professionals outfitted in bright safety vests, face coverings and gloves, ready to administer free flu shots at the annual Santa Barbara County Public Health drive-up clinic.
The clinic format, typically held inside county facilities, was adjusted this year in adherence with COVID-19 safety measures.
One County Health official who was managing the event and traffic flow reported administering 582 flu shots the day prior, and already by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday — while many were still at work — the medical team had administered 150 vaccinations to community members 2 years of age and older.
"And we have 550 available today," he said, referencing an increase in supplies measured against Tuesday's vaccination numbers. "It'll probably get a lot busier once people start getting off work."
Once Cabrillo High School teacher Linda Signal reached a nurses' station, she put her vehicle in park and began rolling up her left sleeve.
Amanda Hewitt, a licensed vocational nurse from Hancock College, greeted Signal and quickly began the vaccination process while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Without flinching, Signal received her flu shot and waited for Hewitt to apply a small Band-Aid to the site.
"I get one every year," Signal said. "I usually get one at [Cabrillo High School], but obviously that's not an option right now," she said.
The next free drive-up flu shot clinic will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 13 and 15 at the Hancock College parking lot, located at 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria.
No insurance, ID or appointment is necessary.Â
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Lisa AndrĂ©Â covers local news and lifestyles for Santa Ynez Valley News.Â
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Lisa Andre
SYV Lifestyles Editor
