LAFAYETTE - Kaiser Permanente's annual flu clinic prepared to vaccinate more than 70,000 people on Saturday, but only saw 47,000 despite recent demand for the shot.
Dr. Eric France, chief of preventative medicine at Kaiser Permanente, says the lower turnout is due to more people coming into the clinic to get their seasonal flu shots.
"I think what we changed this year, we made the flu shot available earlier in October so we've already given nearly 80,000 shots even before we had our first flu clinic," explained Dr. France.
Those who decided to wait, enjoyed shorter wait times, both outside for the drive-up shots, and inside where the children were vaccinated.
"Not even five minutes," said Pat Rogers of her wait. "It's quick, it's wonderful," she added.
Kaiser Permanente has one more flu clinic scheduled for Saturday November 7 from 8 a.m. until noon at the following offices: Arapahoe, East Denver, Lakewood, Rock Creek, and Westminster.
Seasonal flu shots are also available through Kaiser Permanente Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5.p.m.at all Denver, and Boulder offices.
A spokesperson for Kaiser Permanente says after Saturday's clinic the health care provider has vaccinated at total of 119,118 in 2009. That's 46,000 more compared to this time last year.
Larimer County Department of Health and Environments first H1N1 vaccination clinic will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8th from 3 p.m.-.8.p.m. at the Larimer County Fairgrounds. All individuals must be pre-registered for the vaccine. There is no charge. To register visit www.larimerflu.org.