The “Flu Shot Tour” makes its first run for the border this morning, taking about 30 passengers to Victoria for vaccinations and the Garden City’s sights.
A Royal Tours and Charters bus, which will transport passengers from as far away as Poulsbo and Tacoma, was scheduled to leave the Port Angeles ferry terminal on today’s 8:20 a.m. MV Coho run.
Royal Tours representatives said passengers will be picked up at more than 15 North Olympic Peninsula stops in Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Sequim and Port Angeles.
“The response is very, very strong,” said Kevin Harris, a Port Townsend businessman and owner of Carlsborg-based Royal Tours and Pennco Transportation.
Harris, who came up with the Flu Shot Tour idea after his company received several inquiries last week about going to Canada — where flu vaccine is plentiful for both Canadians and Americans — said Royal Tours is working with clinics in Victoria to provide flu shots on Saturdays and Sundays.
“That will be a help to people who work during the week,” Harris said Wednesday.
Ferry from Seattle
The bus trips were inspired by the success of a Seattle passenger ferry’s promotion to go to Victoria for flu shots, which are recommended on both sides of the border for adults older than 65.
Travelers lined up before dawn Tuesday to board the Victoria Clipper for the flu-shot special.
Clipper Navigation’s flu-shot package, which started Monday, is helping fill a 300-passenger boat that normally runs one-half to two-thirds empty on weekdays this time of year.
