BUENA PARK, CA – Buena Park School District provided its community with another means to stay healthy as it administered 247 flu vaccinations to students in pre-school through eighth grade during its first drive-thru flu clinic.

The District teamed with the Orange County Health Agency, Kaiser Permanente and Cal State Fullerton’s School of Nursing to deliver vaccinations to families who lined the parking lot and surrounding area of Buena Park Middle School. Students, staff, parents and volunteers all wore masks and followed social distancing rules to maintain safety.

“This year, it is more important than ever to get a flu shot,” Health Services Coordinator Kathy Tedone said. “We want to make sure that we do not overrun our hospitals with flu cases that can be prevented by a flu shot, and we know that children are viral vectors for the flu since they can spread it to adults and the elderly.”

The District also provided guests with information about healthy eating and exercises the entire family can do as they await the reopening of schools.

“I think it’s great that the District put on this event because it was easier than going to the doctor’s office; they were going to take several weeks to schedule my son for a flu shot,” said Lesia Ozuna, parent of a Buena Park Middle School seventh-grader. “It was very convenient for parents and students to have this resource.”

Ozuna said she was also thankful for all the nutritional and exercising tips given to her by the District, since fitness and healthy eating are good for the body and mind.

“Staying safe and healthy during flu season is important for our entire community and we are very happy to see such a great turn out to take advantage of this resource,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “I’d like to thank the Orange County Health Agency, Cal State Fullerton and Kaiser Permanente for their partnership.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

BUENAPARK_CLINIC1: Buena Park Middle School seventh-grader Christopher O. said the nurses that gave him his flu vaccination during the District’s drive-thru flu clinic were kinder and gentler than his normal doctors.

BUENAPARK_CLINIC2: Corey School fifth-grader Samira S. receives a mist version of the flu vaccination at Buena Park School District’s first drive-thru flu clinic.