Garland, TX — Hope Clinic, in partnership with Walgreens and Americares, hosted a successful Flu Vaccine Clinic that provided over 70 vaccines to patients in need. This “Patient Only” event aimed to ensure that community members, many of whom face financial barriers, had access to vital flu vaccinations.
Dr. Donna Bailey, one of the physicians at Hope Clinic, emphasized the importance of the event for their patient population. “For most of our patients, this will be their only opportunity to get the flu shot,” she explained. “Many of our patients aren’t going to be able to afford the price, even something as simple as $25 for you and me is a lot for our patients.” With rising bills and grocery costs, the clinic’s initiative not only helps patients receive their flu shots but also frees up their funds for other essential needs.
Dr. Bailey highlighted the significant impact that flu vaccinations can have on the community. “This will help to hopefully prevent them from missing work,” she said. “Studies show that if you get your flu shot, there’s less missed days of work, which is very important for our patient population.” She noted that many patients at Hope Clinic have chronic illnesses, placing them at a higher risk for complications from the flu.
This year, the clinic expanded its offerings by providing high-dose flu shots to patients aged 65 and older, thanks to a partnership with Parkland Hospital. “In the past, we typically have just given them the regular dose flu shot, because it was that or nothing,” Dr. Bailey stated. “This year, we’re able to give a lot of them the pneumonia vaccine as well, which has been a great blessing.”
Dr. Jennifer Kampas, Medical Director, echoed Dr. Bailey’s sentiments about the challenges faced by the community. “Our community does have a lot of difficulty getting access to the flu vaccine, especially now with the economic climate,” she noted. “It’s one of those things that, unfortunately, sometimes they have to pass over.” She expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Walgreens and Americares, which made the event possible.
The Flu Vaccine Clinic successfully served 70 patients in just two hours, highlighting the ongoing critical need for accessible healthcare services within the community. To enhance the experience, Texas Security Bank provided a taco truck for attendees, making the event even more enjoyable.
