To encourage more Michigan residents to get a flu shot, Spectrum Health has launched one of the Midwest’s first curbside vaccination programs.
The hospital piloted the program at select locations this past summer and it now has more than 40 sites operational across West Michigan.
“We wanted to meet patients where they are most comfortable—and for many that’s right in their vehicle,” said Rima Shah, MD, vice president and department chief for primary health at Spectrum Health.
“There are several benefits to curbside, including no time spent in waiting rooms,” she added. “We continually remind our patients that whether they choose to see us virtually or in-person, we’re here for you and we’re ready for you.”
The new curbside service is offered to patients of all ages. It provides many immunizations—including childhood vaccinations—as well as injections, tests and blood pressure checks.
The host of services includes flu vaccines, B12 injections, strep tests and more.
It has also proven helpful for patients who have mobility challenges.
Ultimately the program is meant to help families stay on schedule with vaccinations, said Mary Zimmerman, immunization program specialist at Spectrum Health.
With various medical appointments postponed or canceled during the pandemic, many people fell behind on routine care. Zimmerman noticed a 25% decrease in overall vaccinations.
She and her team have been doing everything possible to make it easier for people to get a flu shot this year.
“There are 16 vaccines available for serious illnesses, all of which are preventable diseases,” she said. “In the past two years we have seen outbreaks in Michigan on measles, mumps and hepatitis A. We are hoping this new service will ease people’s minds and make it easier to keep up on necessary vaccinations.”
Fast and easy
Amol Riswadkar used the curbside service recently at Spectrum Health Integrated Care Campus at East Beltline.
It’s all about convenience, Riswadkar said.
“This was super easy, convenient and close by,” he said. “This is just so much easier than going into the doctor’s office. I literally live five minutes away and the entire appointment only took five minutes.”
Spectrum Health medical assistant Kassi Salmon held a window tray as she approached a vehicle at the curbside service.
“The window trays are really nice,” she said. “I feel like I work at Sonic with this curbside service!”
Salmon said she and her team are improving on the process every day.
Appointments can be scheduled online via My Chart or by calling 877.362.8362 and requesting a curbside visit. A scheduler will explain how to find designated parking spaces upon arrival.
On arrival, patients can call the phone number displayed on a sign at the site, which completes their registration process.
A clinical team will then meet patients at their vehicle, ready to provide the necessary service through the car window.
Spectrum Health has already provided hundreds of curbside visits, with most appointments lasting less than 10 minutes.
Spectrum Health leaders are looking at the possibility of adding additional services to the curbside system, as long it can be done safely and efficiently for patients.
We are unable to schedule via my chart as we have no access. Also still unable to access my health despite more than a year of attempting to work with IT to facilitate. Furthermore why is Healthpointe in Grand Haven not included as a site? All of our Spectrum physicians are located there and Spectrum owns the site.
Hi Kay, We’re so sorry to hear you’re having difficulties with MyChart. I’m sending your message along to our tech team. In the meantime, you may call 877.362.8362 to request an appointment for a curbside flu vaccination at one of the 40 locations we’re currently offering them at. You may also contact your physician at Healthpointe to ask for a flu shot, if you’d prefer, at their office. Thank you for reaching out, and hopefully they can get the App working for you soon.
Is this service still available in Ionia? When I tried to schedule via MyChart I couldn’t find Ionia as an option. Thanks.
Hi Sam, So sorry for the inconvenience. We recommend you call the specific office directly to try to arrange this to meet your needs. That clinic may be reached at 616.775.7500. Many thanks!
I got my flu shot early, at my local pharmacy.(Paul’s Pharmacy in Holland). Does that qualify for the $10 reward?
Good news but I was told to get
my flu shot as early as possible!
Had it close to a month ago,
Is Meijer pharmacy a qualifier?
Had mine in August at Rite Aid. Wish I known about this sooner. Feel left out..
Last year my kids were unable to get flu shots at SH urgent care because they are on MI child. Is that still the case? Their PCP does not provide them for them either.
Hi Carrie – We’d suggest you reach out to MIChild to inquire as to which facility near you will be able to administer the flu vaccine.