BEDFORD – The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County hosted a COVID-19 Consultation and Vaccination event on Saturday, February 12th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Limestone Unit on 19th Street.
This was a free consultation in partnership with IU Health South Central Region Riley Physicians and IU Health South Central Region Community Health to provide answers to questions about the vaccine as well as offer the shot to those who want it.
“There have been many individuals who are hesitant on getting the vaccine because of something they heard or read. This clinic was set up to provide evidence-based answers by making it as easily accessible as possible, to best serve the community,” said Carol Weiss-Kennedy Director of Community Health at IU Health Bloomington.
The main focus of the clinic was to provide the public with the necessary information to alleviate any fears or concerns they have about the vaccine.
“The vaccines have been worked on over and over again. They have been studied and tested and we know that it works,” said Weiss-Kennedy. “Just like any other vaccine, your arm may be sore after receiving the shot, and that proves that it is working.”
Riley’s Physicians pediatrician Jim Laughlin, MD, was also in attendance to discuss the importance of the vaccine and provide a clinic such as this to the community.
Chris and Corry Pate brought their son Grayson to get his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine as it is required for a family trip they will be taking over the summer. After having difficulty with their physician being backed up, they were able to get in and out in 10 minutes.
“We tried and tried to set up the appointment, but were unable to because they are so backed up. Having this here made things a whole lot easier.”
“Our goal is to make clinics like these accessible to everyone because the more people who are vaccinated, the less the virus can spread,” Laughlin said. “It is a way to provide another venue where children can come with their families to learn about the vaccine and if they want to get it.”
While providing this service to the community may receive hesitation or even backlash, Laughlin feels that providing the service will help bring a better understanding to the community.
“The important thing about the information we provide here today is that it will bring more awareness to the vaccine’s importance,” Laughlin said. “Yes, individuals are in charge of their bodies and should visit with their physician if they are still hesitant after the clinic, but we were able to at least educate them a little more than before they came in.”
A great source of information about the virus and the vaccine won’t be found on Facebook or from social media platforms, but cdc.gov. ” Weiss-Kennedy said. “Don’t take that information as proof as they are not a good source, instead I urge everyone to use the evidence-based information that you can receive from clinics like these, from your physician, or on the CDC website.”
