Shenandoah University faculty and staff are volunteering on the front lines of the regional COVID-19 vaccination rollout — with many able to receive the vaccine for their efforts.
Approximately 20 faculty and staff are helping during the first two weeks of administration, with a total of 60 signed up to help after that. Those in health professions, pharmacy and nursing (adjunct or full-time) who are credentialed to give vaccines will help administer the vaccine. Health care observers will watch for side effects immediately after participants receive a shot, while other faculty and staff will perform clerical and data entry duties.
In Their Own Words
“It was such a gift to be able to help vaccinate those who have been on the frontlines these past nine months. I was beyond grateful, that as a pharmacist, I was able to tell them thank you in such a meaningful way. And then at the end of the evening to receive my vaccine … it felt surreal. Together we can all do our part to help bring the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ a little closer.
Katelyn Sanders, Director of Admissions, PharmD
Erika Francis, MSPAS, PA-C, associate professor of physician assistant studies, was there vaccinating people on Tuesday.
It was really exciting and a little emotional and I’m not the emotional type. I received a vaccine at the end of the day when we had some vaccine that was brought to room temperature and had to be used that day. I was happy to volunteer to receive one of the first vaccines in the region. It is a privilege to work at Shenandoah, where we are encouraged to provide service and volunteer in the community.”
Erika Francis
Director of Student Support Services Holli Phillips, M.A., said the first day of vaccinations was “amazing.” Phillips served as both a screener and a post-vaccination observer.
Valley Health did a great job scheduling and everything went so smoothly and was extremely efficient. I got a chance to talk to so many of the recipients and they were all grateful and hopeful. A few were even emotional, with one person telling me (with tears in her eyes) that she ‘can finally see an end to the nightmare.’ So thankful to be a part of this moment in history.”
Holli Phillips
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Iain Pritchard, PharmD, BCACP, said the first vow taken in the Oath of the Pharmacist is “I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of human suffering my primary concerns.” Pritchard will serve as a vaccinator during the rollout.
For me, taking this opportunity to vaccinate our community allows me to participate in the continuous fulfillment of that vow. This virus has had dramatic impacts on my family, patients, and students, and every action taken to lessen those impacts is necessary and worthwhile.”
Iain Pritchard
Shenandoah Interim Director of Human Resources Kim McDonald, who is helping with clerical and data entry duties, said it felt “so good” to partner with Valley Health.
I met several nice people to work with while on my shift. The excitement of people getting the vaccine, especially since these are front line workers, was humbling and rewarding. You could tell how exhausted they were, but this has given them a spark. So proud to be able to represent SU in this amazing opportunity.”
Kim McDonald
Niccole Gatliff, associate registrar, is doing check-in for those receiving the vaccination.
To be on the front lines of history in the making and helping those who have helped so many is something I will always cherish. I very much enjoy working at SU and having the opportunity to be involved in its many partnerships and initiatives.”
Niccole Gatliff
