Over the past week, thousands of individuals throughout the state have come to the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University to receive the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination.

Shenandoah, in partnership with Valley Health and the Lord Fairfax Health District, is serving as a mass-vaccination site for those in Virginia to get vaccinated. University faculty and staff are aiding in the process, including administering vaccinations and doing clerical and data-entry duties.

More than 65,000 Virginians are expected to be vaccinated through the clinic.

The response from those who have received the vaccine has been extremely positive.

Sandra Wavrek of Stephenson arrived at the events center with her elderly mother, Eva Prieto. Wavrek said her husband, who received his vaccine earlier and has a disability, was thankful for the golf carts that transport people from the building to the parking lot. She said she feels blessed she was able to get vaccinated.

The whole experience was very moving for me. I’m touched Shenandoah has again come to our help.”

Sandra Wavrek

Prieto said she was grateful for the vaccine.

I feel that I’m going to be safe. I’m looking forward to not being worried about [COVID-19]. At my age I worry about it.”

Eva Prieto

Erika Dutterer of Winchester called her experience first-class—from the shuttles that carried her to and from the events center to the administration of the vaccine.

It was fast, it was smooth, it was perfect.”

Erika Dutterer

A Frederick County resident who goes by the first name Chieko called her experience “top of the line smooth.” With the vaccine, she can consider doing the things she used to do.

I can resume my normal meeting, shopping, going out.”

Chieko

Loretta Campbell of Strasburg is 100 years old. She received her vaccine on one of the first days of administration and called the process very organized.

I feel good. I feel like I’m doing the right thing. I’ll still wear a mask and do what I’ve always been doing, but I feel better about it.”

Loretta Campbell

Additional Community Praise

Congratulations to Valley Health and Shenandoah University for executing a well-planned, organized, sensible plan to distribute the COVID vaccine! This should be used as a model for other cities as a way to distribute the vaccine quickly and efficiently. After reading horror stories about other venues, I was prepared to wait outside in a line for hours. Instead, I scheduled an appointment, arrived to an almost empty parking lot, was greeted by friendly, helpful people, got my shot and was in and out within twenty minutes! Thank you to everyone who planned this well-conceived event.”

Linda Caley, Frederick County, The Winchester Star

‘Better than perfect’ was how my 87-year-old father described his experience getting his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday morning at a mass vaccination site at Shenandoah University’s James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics & Events Center.”

The Winchester Star editorial

Best customer service I’ve ever received, and I’ve been around 85 years.”

The Winchester Star editorial

Yesterday I saw something that I haven’t seen in awhile, the America and Americans that I recognize. I went to Shenandoah University for a COVID vaccine. Scheduling an appointment was easy and convenient. When I arrived at the Wilkins Center, security personnel and local police were directing traffic and telling people where to park. Transportation to the building door was available for individuals that could not walk far. Once inside, a smiling volunteer directed me and others where to go. No one was shoving, pushing or cutting the line. People were quite respectful and observing social distancing. Everyone was wearing a mask.”

Julia Staggers, Winchester, The Winchester Star

Got mine! These ladies and gentlemen really had this organized! You would have thought they did this EVERYDAY! Super impressed! And thank you Frederick County Police for help with parking and of course SU for allowing them to use your beautiful facilities!!!!

Sarah Davis Paul

I am so impressed!! This place is like Chick-fil-A on steroids!”

Got mine today! Very efficient & organized well for social distancing. Took less than 30 minutes! Impressed! Staff very welcoming & friendly.

Diane Jones

Kudos to Valley Health and Shenandoah for the best service I’ve ever experienced.”

Impressed is not the word. The whole process was equal to that of a first-class military operation. General Patton would have been proud.”

I was there yesterday, it was the bomb, very well done.”

Just left there, and it was an excellent experience. EVERYONE was wonderful!!!!!”