SAULT STE. MARIE -- The home arena of the Soo Greyhounds is being used as a flu shot clinic for the next four weekends.
Local health officials say the GFL Memorial Gardens is the perfect place to host a clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is brand new way," said Dr. Jodie Stewart, an organizer of the clinic. "We decided to go with a larger venue this year for the community model so we could deliver a larger number of flu shots in a safer … We knew that the demand in our offices was going to be great and we couldn’t fill that demand while maintaining social distancing."
Staff knew the clinic was going to be busy. But some were surprised at how fast this weeks appointments booked up.
"We filled up Tuesday night. We opened up our phone lines to 400 appointments and we were full by 6:45," said Pina Hladi with the Group Health Centre. "Wednesday night we opened up again at five with another 400 appointments and we were done booking by 6:30 p.m."
Ten stations are set up around the concourse separated by more than 15 feet. After receiving a flu shot, people can sit in a chair until they feel ready to leave. More than 800 people will receive a flu shot over the weekend.
If the demand for the flu shot continues, staff say they will look extending the clinic. But that will only be an option if the arena is free. As of right now, you have to book your appointment for the same week, however that could be change, depending on the needs of the public.
