Vaccination Clinic at Dragon*Con = Massive Success!
Posted by mattusmaximus on September 9, 2010
All I can say is “Whoo Hoo!” – well, that’s not all I can say. I can also say…
Take THAT, whooping cough! 🙂
I’m happy to say that the launch of the “Hug Me, I’m Vaccinated!” campaign at Dragon*Con in Atlanta this past weekend was an unqualified success. The clinic was put together via the combined efforts of the Women Thinking Free Foundation, the groovy ladies at Skepchick, the Centers for Disease Control, and the vaccination team from Cobb & Douglas counties. Over the last few months, we raised money to rent the space; put together a really great FAQ brochure on things everyone should know about vaccines; and mobilized volunteers to help with the clinic.
How successful was the clinic? Did I mention the word “MASSIVE”?!!! We provided free booster vaccinations for tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (also called TDaP) to over 200 Dragon*Con attendees – so many that the people from the CDC and health department almost ran out! The health department volunteers were flabbergasted by the turnout, because they say that often when they conduct similar events barely anyone shows up, and here we were having almost run out of vaccine because attendance was so high! In addition, there was free HIV testing available for anyone interested.
Not only that, but we at the WTFF have been notified that others have heard about our successful “Hug Me…” launch, and they are now contemplating holding their own vaccination clinics in the same manner. I had no idea that it would take off like this: that when I mentioned in my last blog post about “light a candle rather than curse the darkness” we’d end up lighting a freakin’ bonfire! Did I say “Whoo Hoo!” yet? 🙂
If you are among those interested in learning how we put this all together and are considering holding your own vaccination clinic, just send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
In closing, allow me to share another photo with you. This one includes the nurses & workers from the local health department, our CDC representative, as well as many of the skeptics who volunteered their time at Dragon*Con for such a worthy cause…
The Skeptical Teacher 
Teddi said
I missed the clinic but kept hearing about it at the skeptic sessions at D-con. Kudus to you for a great idea and event!
~Teddifish
(FSM @ Dragoncon 😉 )
Brian Cooksey said
I’m happy to have been a part of this. Congratulations of the success and thanks for putting it together!
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