On Saturday, October 17th, Sebasticook Valley Hospital (SVH) held its first "Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic" at the Somerset Plaza in Pittsfield, Maine. In approximately three hours, one hundred-fifty people received their seasonal flu shots from the warmth and comfort of their vehicles.

"This is exciting to see," commented Terri Vieira, SVH Vice President of Operations, who witnessed the throng of cars queuing up for flu shots in the Somerset Plaza parking lot. "SVH wants to make seasonal flu shots easier for people to fit into their busy lives, and I'm very pleased that the public response is so favorable."

Sixteen SVH employees volunteered to assist this event that was coordinated by the SVH Community Education Department, which organizes both public and business flu shot clinics. "We will do this again," said Educator Laurie Alexander. "The response from people I've talked to has been very positive and appreciative that we can do this for those who cannot easily attend flu shot clinics during the week. Many have complimented us on having a well-organized, streamlined event."

This Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic was held in conjunction with Bud's Shop n Save in Pittsfield and Apple Mountain, LLC, (owners of the Somerset Plaza. "(Bud's Shop n Save manager) Chris Peterson and his staff have been gracious to us throughout the day by offering warm coffee to us and anything else we needed," added Laurie. "Everyone working at the plaza has been wonderful to us."

Flu shots were provided to adults (18 years and older) for $20 per shot. SVH provided information on H1N1 and encouraged drivers and passengers to wait in their vehicles for at least fifteen minutes after the shot to ensure no adverse reaction to the immunization.

SVH is a progressive 25-bed critical-access hospital in Pittsfield, Maine. It was established in 1963 by a group of community leaders, and has been an integral member of the communities it serves ever since. SVH is accredited by the Joint Commission, and is a proud member of the Eastern Maine Healthcare System.