COVID-19 has been an overwhelming part of our lives for an entire year now. Fortunately, there is light at the end of this tunnel. We now have three FDA-approved vaccines to help slow the spread of coronavirus, and Immaculata University’s nursing students are stepping up to help.

Twenty-seven students from the senior nursing class have been helping to administer vaccines to senior citizens as part of their Concepts of Public Health Nursing class. The students are taking part in a vaccine clinic operated by Tower Health’s Pottstown Hospital.

The goal of the clinic is to help get more eldery people and healthcare workers vaccinated. By the end of the clinic, nearly 2,500 people received the vaccine.

Dr. Susan Norris, assistant professor in Immaculata’s Division of Nursing, credited the students for their outstanding work and eagerness to jump right in.

“Their verve and energy throughout the process was amazing,” Norris said. “The days were long, but they did phenomenal work, and they learned so much throughout the experience.”

Norris and five students went to each appointment session; four of the students administer the vaccines while another observes and monitors for any adverse reactions afterwards.

Lynn Krieger, one of the students who participated at the clinic, said her experience has left her with only positive thoughts.

“It meant so much to me to have a hand in fighting the pandemic directly,” she said. “The atmosphere there was so hopeful, the opportunity was historic, and I will never forget it. Helping to vaccinate senior citizens inspired me to never stop fighting.”

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