Shelesa Shimizu

Flash Memoir

Flu Clinic

Working as an assistant in family practice after a twelve hour shift, exhaustion was

setting in. The day was not at an end though as more ill patients filtered in. The clinic I worked

for during this time put together what they called the “Flu Clinic.” The purpose of this was to

provide access to the yearly flu vaccination after regular clinic hours. Those involved included

nurses, doctors, managers, and medical assistants.

I do not usually get involved in my community to offer my time volunteering, not

because I do not want to, but because I usually have every part of my day planned with either

work or school-work. That year would be different. I decided that no matter how I felt or

however much homework I had—I was going to volunteer to work the Flu Clinic. Not even an

hour had passed, and there were already 50 patients checked in and waiting for us. Everyone

needed to be evaluated before getting the flu shot to make sure the vaccine was right for them.

I filled syringes with the vaccine while a co-worker prepared documentation worksheets for

everybody and another equipped each exam room with Band-Aids and alcohol swabs. The

managers and doctors were making their rounds making sure the clinic was running smoothly.

Once everything was in order, each nurse and medical assistant started bringing back patients

one by one. I remember a particular family that I helped that night—a young father and his son.

I showed them to an exam room with the vaccines in hand and a lollipop in my pocket. The

father mentioned that his son was terrified of shots, so I spoke to one of our physicians that

suggested the liquid nasal form of the vaccine. The boy was crying at this point, and his dad was
filled with stress. I showed the boy the lollipop I had and that brought a smile to his face, but I

told him that they had to smell a few flowers for me first. The boy looked at me with confusion

but agreed to my deal. I had him close his eyes while I held the liquid vaccine under his nostril.

“On the count of three, I want you to smell the flowers that I am holding.” As I squeezed the

syringe, the boy sniffed as hard as he could and right away he knew that I tricked him, but

before he could say anything I outstretched my hand with a bright red lollipop for his reward.

The boys’ father sighed with relief. As they were leaving the room, the boy hugged my leg tight

and then ran towards his dad.

The Flu Clinic that year lasted a total of three hours and our staff was drained and ready

to go home. By the end, while everyone was cleaning up, I felt proud of myself for sticking to

my decision. I kept thinking about all of the people we helped. Those patients will, in turn,

protect those individuals who are unable to get the flu shot. All of that for only three hours of

my free time was completely worth it. I was so grateful to a part of such a great group of self-

less individuals. I admire all of the hard-work that was given that day. To this day, this service

experience reminds me that no day is “too long.”