On Friday, April 16, 88 members of Pacific Northwest University of Health Science’s extended community received their first COVID-19 vaccinations at a pop-up clinic on PNWU’s Yakima campus. The clinic, which was hosted in partnership with Washington State University and Rite Aid, was made possible thanks to an April 15 expansion of vaccination eligibility requirements in the State of Washington. Hosted from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the clinic offered all PNWU students, employees, and associated family members/partners/others living in the same household (ages 16+) a chance to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
“The vaccination is a way to support the health of all members of our community,” explained PNWU President Michael Lawler, PhD, who received his first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at the pop-up around 1 p.m.
Beyond inoculation against the virus, the clinic offered a rare opportunity for PNWU community members to return to a campus that had largely been vacated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic over a year prior. As participants approached the clinic’s check-in desk, the warm and fragrant springtime air seemed almost synonymous with the budding opportunities that accompanied increased community vaccination percentages.
“This is a wonderful example of caring not only for the campus community but the community at large,” explained Lisa Vickers, MN, ARNP-BC, associate teaching professor and Yakima campus director for WSU’s College of Nursing. “As health care professionals, we must lead by example and extend care with equity to all. What a privilege it is to be part of a multi-program university that embraces collaboration, compassion, and public health values.”
“This is a wonderful example of caring not only for the campus community but the community at large…”
“The pandemic has been awful for everyone,” said Student Doctor Phillip Morrill, who had volunteered to work alongside Campus Nurse Judy O’Neal at the clinic’s check-in desk. “This vaccine is our only real way out of it.” Morrill, who received his COVID-19 vaccination prior to the clinic, also hoped the effort would help to further protect the community from COVID-19, including those who are not capable of being vaccinated. “I ask anyone feeling vaccination hesitancy to talk with their doctor or local pharmacist,” he added. “I believe PNWU should be involved in improving access to vaccines, whether by volunteering at sites or hosting a vaccine site, as part of our University’s mission is serving the vulnerable and underserved. The more we can be out and talking in the community, the more we can enhance the connection between the school and the wonderful people that support us.”
“It’s really good for the community so we can get back to normal,” explained Jessica Bilsky, the 17-year-old daughter of PNWU provost Dr. Ed Bilsky, during an interview with a local television reporter shortly after she received her first dose. “It’s super easy – not scary at all — and it feels just like any other shot.”
“It feels great to finally be vaccinated,” said Paul Bubluski, PNWU’s assistant director of content, to O’Neal and Morrill as he left the clinic, “but I’m somehow equally excited to finally meet you both in person! I hope this becomes normal again soon!” he exclaimed.
“That’s exactly why we’re doing it,” enthusiastically replied O’Neal. “That’s why we’re here.”