Public Health, Spencer Schools Team Up to Offer Evening Vaccination Clinic

posted on Thursday, August 12, 2021 in COVID-19

Fall is just around the corner, which means many people will be gathering indoors more as school starts and cooler temperatures arrive. Typically, the beginning of school and more indoors activities means more sharing of germs and viruses. Since one of the new viruses around is the COVID-19 Delta variant, Clay County Public Health experts say now is a good time to consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Usually each year when school starts, we see an increase in illnesses among all age groups as not only are students in close contact with one another, they also are sharing viruses with family members,” commented Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health coordinator.

To help provide a convenient opportunity for COVID-19 vaccinations, public health and Spencer Schools are teaming up to host a special clinic on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 4 – 7 PM at the Spencer Middle School.

“We really appreciate the leadership team of Spencer Community Schools for offering space on Thursday evening,” Rossiter remarked. “During the 4-7 PM time frame, the middle school and elementary schools are offering parent-teacher conference appointment times and also school picture appointments. It’s a convenient opportunity for those age 12 and older to get vaccinated, including students, parents, teachers, and community members.”

To schedule an appointment for that afternoon or evening, go online to Spencer Hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination information page and click on the scheduling link. Pre-registration is encouraged; however, walk-ins will be welcomed that evening.

Rossiter added, “In the United States, 166.9 million people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nearly 200 million have initiated their vaccination series. The vaccination is both safe and effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and even death due to COVID-19. Even though we see some breakthrough cases of mild disease, the majority of those vaccinated will have protection against the Delta variant.  By getting vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself, you are protecting others, especially the young who are not yet eligible for vaccination, from a potentially serious illness. Also, getting vaccinated helps stop the spread of COVID-19, lessening opportunities for the virus to continue to mutate. Vaccination is the most important public health action to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Rossiter said for individuals who have specific health questions, she encourages them to visit with their personal physician. “There is a lot of misinformation being circulated,” she commented. “Trust the health experts. The American Medical Society reports that over 96 percent of physicians across the United States are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and of those not fully vaccinated, many others have had one dose of their two-dose series of vaccine. Trust those who have provided you healthcare services for years.”