Students, faculty help vaccinate the Louisville community

Students and faculty were on the scene at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium beginning at 6:00am Nov. 11 in preparation to help administer over 15,000 does of the H1N1 vaccine. The School of Nursing was primarily responsible for managing the drive-thru portion of the clinic, which opened earlier than expected at 7:15am on Wed. 

"This a great opportunity to partner with the Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness in keeping the community healthy," said senior student Erika Wooldridge.

Wooldridge added that she didn't expect such a high volume of steady traffic, but pointed out that it was movingly  smoothly.

Faculty member Diane Riff also worked the early morning shift Wednesday.

"Our students have displayed extreme professionalism in a very fast-paced environment, I am very proud of them," said Riff.

This isn't the first time nursing students have helped vaccinate the Louisville community.  School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS) professor Dr. Ruth Carrico and School of Nursing (SON) Associate Dean Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl coordinated seasonal flu clinics for Humana employees in Louisville both last fall and this Oct.

SPHIS provided coordination of all sites, supplies and vaccine, while the School of Nursing administered the immunizations.

"This was not only a health benefit for Humana employees but also an economic benefit as giving the vaccination on site helped minimize  time away from work," said Dr. Carrico.

The School of Nursing provided faculty and student support for nine Humana site flu clinics. Clinics were staffed by 149 students and were supervised by 24 faculty. When the Humana project was completed, 4000 doses had been administered to the Humana Associates.

Myra Goldman and her community clinical group of 10 students, along with Lecresha Evans and the UofL Black Student Nursing Association participated in a seasonal flu clinic at the Harambee Nursing Center located at the Presbyterian Community Center. The Oct. 22 and Oct. 26 clinics were organized under the leadership of  Vivianne Griffiths in collaboration with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness on Oct. 22nd and Oct.26th.

"These immunization efforts demonstrate the vital role the School of Nursing plays in the health and wellness of our community," said Carrico.