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I am writing for all the seniors who were subjected to the degrading, inhumane treatment Oct. 14 when they went to Publix in Palm Harbor for flu shots. They were required to wait outside of the store, some as early as 4:45 a.m., until 3 p.m., when the shots were started.
Tickets were handed out at 1:30 p.m. to the first 200 gathered. I understand hundreds more were waiting. Publix did make food and water available, but that's not enough.
I would like the manager to explain to me why he thought this was a better plan than to hand out the first 200 tickets to the first 200 people that arrived and ask them to return at 2 p.m. and get in line according to their number. When the numbers are gone, post signs outside the store that all flu shots have been taken. It's that simple.
I cannot believe the stupidity of this manager, and I hope someday when he is in his later years, someone makes him wait 8-12 hours for a simple flu shot.
I hope someone with authority learns something from this message. If flu shots need to be rationed in the future, use a school gym or a public library, someplace where seniors can be comfortable waiting and can be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
I am a medical oncologist. Many of my patients have cancer or leukemia and are on chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Not long ago, we had received a letter telling us that the flu shot vaccine that we had ordered was being redirected to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga.
Last Thursday at 4 p.m., my wife and I were in Publix at Curlew Road and Alt. U.S. 19. There was an overabundance of cars, and my car had reported an outside temperature of 88 degrees. In the southwest section of the parking lot was a huge group of elderly people awaiting flu shots. Many were either in wheelchairs or were with walkers. The cashier told us that they began lining up at 4:45 a.m.
I compliment Publix for doing a public service. My advice is that the younger and healthier should plan to skip the flu shot this year so that individuals at a higher risk are able to receive the vaccination.
In my office, I will be asked again about the flu shots. I will lamely suggest they go to the county health clinic or the walk-in clinics. The other option is to spend hours waiting in the parking lot. This is outrageous.
I want to say thank you to the city of Clearwater and the organizers of the 25th anniversary 2004 Jazz Holiday in Coachman Park. It was a great success and very enjoyable. However, this is not what I am writing about.
First let me say that I am a defender and supporter of our constitutional rights and the First Amendment of free speech. Sunday was the only day I was able to attend the festival with my family. Upon entering the park I noticed signs on the outer perimeter with several statements like "Clearwater Unfair to Firefighters and Paramedics," "Firefighters and Paramedics without contracts," etc.
This is a very appropriate way to get your point across to the citizens of a community at a large gathering. That is, until a single-engine plane carrying a banner which said, "Firefighters and Paramedics without a contract for 2+ years" circled the jazz fest.
It is not the sign that bothers me; it was the noise of this plane circling the park, which was intrusive when trying to listen to some nice jazz music. At one point the artist on stage even noticed the plane with the banner and read the banner over the public address system. I am sure that was the intent of the individuals promoting this cause.
My point is this: I support your right to free speech until it disrupts an event that has nothing to do with your cause. The sound of the plane took away from the wonderful music that was provided. This is one citizen who was offended by this act and if the firefighters and paramedics were looking for support, well, they just lost one citizen's support.