Drive-through flu clinic is a big hit

Cape Girardeau County is a place of strong traditions but exciting innovations.

Last week's drive-through flu-shot clinic falls into the latter category.

Jackson's fire chief, Brad Golden, came up with the excellent idea and executed it in tandem with Charlotte Craig, director of the county health department. Golden freed up a bay at the fire station last week, and area residents drove in, paid their $10 donations and stuck their arms out their car windows to get flu shots.

Craig and her staff administered flu vaccine, and the drivers were on their way.

In the end, 90 people didn't have to get out into the damp and cold to be protected from the flu this season.

Perhaps the best part is the exposure the flu clinic received. It reminded those at risk for flu complications -- primarily the elderly and chronically ill -- to get shots, either at that clinic, from their own physician or at the health department.

Golden and Craig plan to do the special clinic again next year. That is a great idea.