World

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

Published

3 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

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.