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South Salt Lake Journal

Families and employees at Holladay schools say ‘Boo to the Flu’ at vaccination events

Oct 01, 2022 07:21PM ● By Heather Lawrence

By Heather Lawrence | [email protected]

Granite District schools held their annual Say Boo to the Flu clinics in September. The events coincided again with parent teacher conferences, which made it a convenient time to get a flu vaccine to the whole family. During the events, anyone who wanted to could get their flu vaccination, regardless of insurance status.

“We come every year, and I bring the whole family,” said Amanda Alldredge of Holladay. Her son Owen is a sophomore at Olympus High, which is where she, Owen and her four-year-old son Charlie got their flu shots in September.

“It’s so convenient. My husband and I have to do it in two shifts—he’ll take some kids to their school and then I take some to the other school. But we really like to come and know that we’ve gotten our flu vaccines for the year,” Alldredge said.

Clinics are run by Community Nursing Services. CNS is a Utah nonprofit that has been around since 1928. They work with big organizations, including school districts, and send nurses to events to get a lot of people vaccinated at once.

There is a little bit of paperwork to fill out so that CNS can bill your insurance. But they also offer “reduced and no-cost flu vaccines…to individuals and families who are uninsured and unable to pay,” according to the GSD flyer. They also say they will donate $2 back to the schools for each “eligible immunization” administered during the events.

Ben Horsley, chief of staff at GSD, said bringing these clinics to the schools benefits everyone. 

“We are appreciative of these clinics offering our families and employees an opportunity to get access to critical vaccinations in time for the flu season. It makes a huge difference in keeping our schools healthy and safe throughout the winter,” Horsley said.

Clinics were held at all GSD Holladay schools: Cottonwood Elementary, Crestview Elementary, Howard Driggs Elementary, Oakwood Elementary, Spring Lane Elementary, Bonneville Jr. High, Olympus Jr. High and Olympus High School.

The shots given were for the annual flu vaccine; there were no COVID-19 vaccines or boosters offered at the events.

Cottonwood Elementary School principal Teri Cooper said she and many other school employees and families love the service and take advantage of it each year.

“It’s very convenient. It’s easy for parents to just pop over after meeting with the teachers and get their flu shot. It makes it accessible to everyone, especially parents who might not have transportation to get their shot other places,” Cooper said.

Cooper also hears positive feedback from parents.

“Parents often let us know how nice it is to get all their kids done in one place and know they are set for the year,” Cooper said. “Many parents comment on the pleasant nurses that visit and how sweet they all are to each of the kids. They make it a fun, simple and easy experience.”