On October 12, 2023, a drive-thru vaccination clinic for seniors took place at the Taneytown Senior & Community Center in Carroll County, Maryland. Organized by Finksburg Pharmacy in partnership with the Carroll County Bureau of Aging and Disabilities, the event aimed to provide easy access to flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the elderly population.
Convenient Vaccination for Seniors
The pop-up clinic operated over five days across multiple locations, including Mount Airy, North Carroll, South Carroll, Taneytown, and Westminster. This marked the 10th season of the clinic, with the fifth consecutive year it has been held outdoors, a format adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Rai Cary, who co-owns Finksburg Pharmacy with his wife, Min-Li Cary, seniors have expressed appreciation for the outdoor setting due to its convenience and efficiency.
Participants in the drive-thru clinic were greeted by staff members Rich Ottone and Jeff Slaubaugh, who assisted with paperwork before seniors received their vaccinations. The flu shots were administered quickly, taking just three seconds, while several seniors also opted to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This year, the clinic successfully administered over 300 vaccines, surpassing last year’s total of 200.
Navigating Vaccine Skepticism
Despite the success of the clinic, Rai Cary noted an increase in vaccine skepticism, particularly in light of shifting federal vaccination recommendations. Following changes initiated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Maryland joined a coalition of Northeast states to establish its own vaccine guidelines. Cary remarked that these changes have led to more inquiries from seniors regarding their vaccination choices.
“Certainly within the health care community, I think we’re all on the same page about the way that we look at it, the way we view the science and the effectiveness of vaccinations,” Cary said.
He cautioned that opting not to vaccinate could lead to the resurgence of diseases previously under control.
Attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive vaccinations. Katharine Shaw, 79, from Union Bridge, reflected on her past experiences with diseases, stating, “I walked through the cemeteries years ago with my mother and saw all the small stones that were people that died of diseases, and I myself had diphtheria as a child.”
Similarly, Tom and Norma Taylor, both 86 and long-time attendees of the clinic, praised the convenience of the drive-thru format. “You just drive through, they stick you, and you’re on your way. It doesn’t take long at all,” Tom Taylor remarked.
As the clinic continues to adapt to changing public health landscapes, the collaboration between local pharmacies and aging services demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the health and well-being of senior citizens in Carroll County.
