It’s a service more associated with fast food takeaways and coffee but now flu vaccinations can be added to the list.

Poole Harbour Commissioners has hosted a drive-thru flu vaccination service at the Port of Poole.

More than 1,400 people were vaccinated in the first drive-thru session alone.

The service was offered free of charge to anyone eligible for the NHS flu vaccination by Poole Central Primary Care Network (PCN).

Poole PCN is a collaboration between six GP practices in Poole to collectively deliver services to and support the health of the community.

Member practices are:

• Rosemary Medical Centre
• Evergreen Oak and Creekmoor Surgeries
• Lifeboat Quay Medical Centre
• Poole Town Surgery
• Family Medical Services
• The Adam Practice (Lytchett Matravers, Upton, Hamworthy and Poole).

According to the website of The Adam Practice: “As a potential second wave of Covid-19 spreads across the country, patient safety is our top priority.

“Although some small walk-through clinics have taken place, with nearly 30,000 people across our network likely to be eligible for vaccination this winter (including the 50-64 age group that has been announced by the government) we have had to put in place a process which can handle this number of vaccinations in a safe manner.

“This new process is needed to ensure we safely distance patients at our clinics.”

The drive-thru clinic allowed patients to minimise their exposure to other people or buildings.

The only contact was at a car window with a trained medical professional, wearing the appropriate PPE.

Patients who could only attend on foot were vaccinated safely in a separate indoor area with all appropriate distancing measures in place.

Dave Laut, Port Safety and Security Manager, Port of Poole, pictured left, said “Some 1,400 people were vaccinated at the port in the first drive through session alone.

“Drive-thru clinics have been successfully used in many parts of the country and PHC are only too happy to do our bit to help protect the community.

“We have considered and put into place several measures at our drive-through vaccination site, so patients can be assured it’s safe to visit.”

The final three sessions were held on Sunday November 8.