World

Research Shows Drive-Through Vaccination Centers May Play Critical Role in Pandemic

Published

5 years ago

March 26, 2021

Although the development, approval, and release of several Covid-19 vaccines has naturally been a positive shift in the pandemic, we must now face the challenges involved in distributing the vaccine as efficiently as possible to as many individuals as possible. Research indicates drive-through vaccination clinics may help.

A drive-through vaccination clinic is essentially a tent or temporary building that, as the name implies, can be set up so that those receiving a vaccination can drive up to the clinic instead of waiting in an office or outside a clinic with others.

There are clear benefits to this approach. First, drive-through clinics typically allow for greater distancing than traditional clinics, which could limit the chances of viruses spreading. Additionally, because drive-through clinics can be established fairly quickly without taking up much space, they can assist in providing the vaccine to citizens living in areas where traditional clinics are few and far between.

A new model also suggests there is a strong possibility taking advantage of drive-through vaccination clinics can ensure a substantially faster rollout of the vaccine.

Specifically, a recent paper published in the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics, “Lessons from Modeling and Running the World’s Largest Drive-Through, Mass Vaccination Clinic,” studies data from The Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness department pertaining to the impact of drive-through clinics on the efficiency of H1N1 vaccinations in the area.

Based on an analysis of the past data, researchers have concluded that drive-through vaccination clinics, if set up on a large scale, could allow 350 million additional Americans to be vaccinated in 100 days. It’s worth noting that’s greater than the entire current American population.

That may be the primary benefit the paper’s authors identified, but it isn’t the only one. For instance, they also discovered that many citizens prefer the convenience of a drive-through clinic. Their existence might thus encourage people who otherwise would postpone getting the vaccine to do so earlier.

Along with believing drive-through vaccination clinics are more convenient, it appears many people also prefer them because they feel they are safer than clinics where they may have to wait in close proximity with other people. Researchers also point out that parents with young children can more easily get vaccinated if these clinics are available in their areas.

To reap these benefits, the model the paper’s authors relied on involves setting up 350 mass vaccination clinics throughout the country. The clinics would need to operate seven days a week for approximately eight hours every day. They would ideally consist of five tents, each capable of serving two cars simultaneously, and four nurses’ stations in each tent. Two nurses would be assigned to each station.

While establishing this many drive-through vaccination clinics would require a significant degree of cooperation and coordination on the part of various agencies and local governments, the fact that companies are already on hand to supply them indicates this goal can be achieved. History also shows it can have a substantial impact on the course of the pandemic. For instance, during the H1N1 vaccinations in Louisville, on average, walk-up clinics accounted for 424 vaccinations per hour, while drive-through clinics accounted for 762.

These are all reasons those involved in providing the vaccine to citizens in their areas should strongly consider taking advantage of drive-through clinics. The research clearly shows they may play a critical role in stopping the pandemic.

World

More Named Storms — Is Your Luxury Pergola Ready?

Published

1 week ago

December 11, 2025

Jenny Jackson

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a 60% chance that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season would be above normal. The administration said to watch for between 13 and 19 total named storms — those with winds of 39 mph or higher.

For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, this raises an urgent question: are your outdoor spaces ready to weather the storm?

PERGOLUX, a leader in durable outdoor structures, designs powder-coated aluminum pergolas with adjustable louvers to withstand the harshest environments.

“Today’s outdoor living spaces face the wrath of nature’s extremes,” says Tim Heneveld, Country Director of PERGOLUX North America. “Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods bring powerful winds exceeding 100 mph. Their relentless rain and rising floodwaters can quickly devastate unprepared structures. If you want to protect your investments, resilient design is essential.”

Is your aluminum pergola and louvered roof ready to take on intense storms?

The open-air elegance of patio pergolas with slat roofs is perfect for a gentle breeze, but can make them vulnerable to the violent forces of hurricane winds. These storm winds pack powerful uplift and lateral forces.

Wind uplift occurs when gusts of wind flow beneath the roof, generating upward pressure that can lift the entire structure off its base. Lateral forces push a pergola horizontally, causing it to lean or even collapse.

The key defense against these powerful forces? A reinforced frame.

“Strong, well-engineered frames act as the backbone of your pergola,” notes Heneveld. “Aluminum is the ideal material for a pergola’s frame. It combines the strength needed to resist bending or breaking with a lighter weight that reduces strain on the foundation.”

PERGOLUX’s pergolas feature reinforced frames engineered to withstand intense storms with confidence. In fact, their latest model, the Skydance Series 3 Pergola, is specially crafted to endure winds up to 165 mph, which means that even when fierce hurricanes like Milton sweep through, these pergolas remain intact.

Reinforced aluminum frames designed with thickened beams and precision connections stand up to wind uplift and lateral pressure. Hurricane-rated bolts, brackets, and screws hold everything tightly together to prevent ‌weak points that storms so often exploit. When each joint is reinforced and well-anchored, your pergola can remain a steadfast retreat despite the wildest weather. Thicker beams and columns combined with robust engineering techniques give these pergolas superior strength. Extra support brackets, hidden fasteners, and precise assembly methods ensure the frame endures.

Elevated bases can protect your luxury pergola from floods

Along with high winds, storms bring torrential rain. Rising water can undermine structural footings and rot wooden materials, which can destabilize the entire installation.

An elevated base is a strategic line of defense. “By constructing your pergola on raised concrete footings or piers, you create a gap between the ground and the structure,” notes Heneveld. “During a flood, it keeps the water at bay. The elevation also prevents erosion caused by pooling rainwater.”

The best-quality outdoor pergolas offer high-grade materials and cutting-edge engineering

The key element of any storm-ready outdoor structure is its materials. PERGOLUX chooses 6063-T5 aluminum, a marine-grade alloy renowned for its incredible strength and exceptional resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to salty sea air and humid conditions.

“A wooden or vinyl pergola may look great at first,” says Heneveld, “but they often require costly upkeep or replacement after just a few seasons of storm damage. Our reinforced aluminum pergolas will give you years of worry-free durability. It will remain strong and look fantastic, no matter the weather.”

PERGOLUX’s advanced engineering solutions also protect what is inside the structure. Their patented RainLUX™ integrated gutter system channels rainwater away, preventing leaks that can damage furniture and floors.

“We offer a 10-year warranty to back up all of our claims,” Heneveld says. “It’s our commitment that these structures will protect your home’s exterior environment for years to come. We want you to focus on enjoying the moments that matter in your pergola, not on the coming storms.”

Practical outdoor living tips to prepare your louvered pergola kit before storm season

Even the strongest pergola will fare better when prepped for a coming storm. “Make sure to secure your loose items,” Heneveld warns. “Before a storm, remove furniture, planters, and décor. All of these can become hazardous projectiles.”

When homeowners hear that a storm is on the way, they will want to fully secure any screens or panels. Removing detachable panels before severe weather will help protect the pergola by reducing wind resistance.

Homeowners will want to take the time to routinely inspect and maintain their pergolas. A quick check for loose fasteners or other small signs of wear goes a long way in preserving the pergola’s strength.

“Combine simple preparation with a reinforced, elevated, and expertly engineered structure, and you’ll have an outdoor space built to last,” Heneveld concludes. “Investing in a storm-ready pergola is about so much more than just avoiding damage. You’re preserving a lifestyle. A long-lasting pergola will bring you years of shaded summer barbecues and fresh-air morning coffees.”