PAYSON -- Centenarian Bessie Jane Mendenhal of Springville rested her arm on the passenger-side window frame of her son-in-law's white sedan parked outside Mountain View Hospital in Payson. She waited patiently, smiling and chatting, as a nurse administered her annual flu shot.

Mendenhal was one of about 1,000 senior citizens who participated in a drive-through vaccination program Wednesday and Thursday morning at Mountain View Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem.

"It's wonderful, because we don't have to worry about the whole process of helping her (Mendenhal) out of the car and getting the wheelchair out for her," said Kent Huntman, Mendenhal's son-in-law. "Everyone here is so careful with her and do a wonderful job. It's a good experience."

Flu season has descended on Utah, and health professionals are urging residents to receive the flu vaccine sometime in the next two months. Those who don't face increased risk of flu-related complications should plan on getting the vaccine in November.

For seniors and others at risk, it's important to get the flu vaccine in October, since protective antibodies don't usually develop until about two weeks after vaccination. This applies especially for healthy children between 6 months and 23 months of age or children up to nine years who are receiving the vaccine for the first time.

Lana Hone, Senior Friends advisor at Mountain View Hospital, said the drive-through program ensures a greater number of senior citizens receive their vaccinations -- they also get a glass of orange juice and a free car window washing. She said without the ease this program provides to the senior citizens, many would put off the task or not do it at all.

"They get a little special attention here. It's not as intimidating as a doctor's office," Hone said.

In Payson on Thursday, the atmosphere was surprisingly festive and upbeat for a gathering of people waiting for a shot.

"It's just a fun time, everybody's smiling," said Harriett Mendenhall, 79, who was at the hospital not only to receive her vaccination, but also as a volunteer. "Not the atmosphere you expect when people are getting their shots. You never see people have fun like this."

Five women from Eureka thought it was fun enough to make a day-trip out of it. Leah Towers, Edna Jasper, Alice Fox, Betty Walker and Barbara Sorensen are lifelong friends that came into town for the shots, some lunch and grocery shopping.

The Senior Friends program at Mountain View Hospital has more than 1,200 members. Timpanogos Regional Medical Center's program has about 250 members. Hone said it was the best turnout the program has seen in its seven-year existence.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A11.