A number of airports in the US are now offering vaccinations against flu in dedicated areas close to departure gates. While several airports have provided such a service for some time, they have been placed before security checkpoints, and, consequently, many passengers have denied themselves the vaccination in a rush to catch their intended flight. Now, however, airports in Chicago, Atlanta, New Jersey, San Francisco and others have installed health stations past security and, so, far, this seems to have been a successful move.

More than 15,000 vaccinations have been provided, at a cost of between $15 and $35.

Newark Liberty International Airport’s flu vaccination service is operationally managed by Maureen Zampella, who said: "It's helpful being on the airside because people don't know how long it's going to take getting through security so they don't want to take a risk of waiting in a medical clinic or being stuck in security and not making their plane."

Business Travellers Benefiting from Airport Flu Vaccinations

The vaccinations are viewed as especially beneficial for frequent business travellers, who, according to Dr. Dominic Mack, “...don’t have the time to go to the physician”.

Dr Mark is the Chief Medical Officer involved with the Atlanta vaccinations.

The shots given do not kick in immediately, but provide complete protection against the flu around a fortnight after being given.

Future Airport Health Services Could Include Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Tests

Pointing to the future, airport health officials have said, ultimately, other types of vaccination other than anti-flu could be given at airports, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol-level assessments.

In 2006, approximately 5000 flu vaccinations were given to passengers and airport staff alike at Chicago O’Hare Airport. According to the University of Illinois Medical Center’s Medical Director, Dr John Zautcke, “it went over great”, to the extent that the programme now also takes in the city’s Midway Airport.

To date, around 9,500 flu vaccinations have been given at either Midway or O’Hare this year. "Business travellers love it", said Mr Zautcke. "They are just thanking us."

Source – Airport International’s US Correspondent