A community outreach influenza vaccination drive as a model for mass disaster prophylaxis

In October 2012, more than 120 student and faculty volunteers from six different health professional schools (medical, pharmacy, and nursing) vaccinated 430 individuals against influenza at five point of distribution sites in Winnebago County, IL, at no cost to the recipients. In total, 18 organizations, including faith-based and nonprofit groups, organized this vaccination drive, targeting an at-risk population of homeless and impoverished individuals. Preclinical students were provided just-in-time training in vaccine administration and Incident Command System methodology. This community-wide collaborative effort uniquely demonstrates the effectiveness of student volunteerism in emergency preparedness, as well as providing a model for mass prophylaxis in a disaster scenario.