New Jersey Township Stages Mock Mass Vaccination Drill

Hundreds sought for disaster drill in Hopewell

by The Times

Tuesday May 05, 2009, 8:44 PM

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- Emergency management officials are looking for a few hundred area residents and their cars to participate in a training drill to combat a possible virus or other widespread illness.

On Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. volunteers will be asked to drive through a check-point at the township municipal complex at Scotch Road and Washington Crossing Pennington Titusville Road.

Motorists and their passengers who participate will be directed to a "safe" area where medical personal will ask them a few questions, provide mock vaccinations or medications, and wave them through upon completion.

In return for their cooperation, motorists will receive coupons and be entered into a drawing for prizes for gift cards and certificates from local businesses.

Mercer County officials say there is no connection between this drill and the spread of Influenza A H1N1, more commonly known as swine flu. They said that virus came along after they began planning for this practice event.

For more information, contact the Hopewell Township Health Department at (609) 737 01210, ext. 657.