Beebe's free flu shots continuing; Delaware's first case reported

Beebe Healthcare's free flu clinics were in high gear Oct. 19 in the lobby of the emergency room of the main campus in downtown Lewes.

Volunteer John Loehr said he was steady processing people coming for the free shots from the time the clinic opened at 9 a.m. until its final client at 1 p.m. "We handled 220 people in four hours.  That's nearly one per minute," said Loehr as he counted hundreds of dollars in donations.

Nurses Christine Babicki and Janet Sockriter did the honors of injecting the flu vaccine into the upper arm muscles of people of all ages. Those 65 and over received a stronger dose.  The last client of the day, a 65-year-old man, received the last available stronger dose Monday.  "It's your lucky day," said Loehr.

A notice on the registration desk informed those 65 and older that there are limited supplies of the stronger dose.  It advised people to inquire about the availability of the stronger dose and suggested that if it weren't available they might want to wait until another day; though they were free to choose the normal dose that day if desired.

Delaware Health and Social Services announced this week that is has recorded its first official case of influenza for the 2015-16 season.

Beebe is offering free flu shots at its main campus emergency room lobby from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 9.

The free shots are also available at other Beebe locations and dates. Google Beebe Health Care Flu Shots for that schedule, or call 302-645-6337.