Addison Trail hosted a vaccine clinic in partnership with Broadway Medical Center on April 24 to allow students age 16 and older to receive a dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Students attending the clinic felt it marked a milestone for the next school year.
“I think that this clinic is helpful for getting students vaccines when they may not have been able to get them other places,” said Sophomore Jessie Pociecha, who received a dose at the clinic. “This will definitely help to get us in person next school year.”
Junior Jazmin Martinez, who also attended the clinic, agreed.
“This is awesome because we can probably have a somewhat normal school year next year,” said Martinez.
Students also noted taking the vaccine out of care for others.
“I just want to be as safe as possible and keep others healthy,” Martinez said.
The clinic ran throughout the morning and afternoon. Students could make appointments or see if there were walk in spaces available. After checking in, students were vaccinated quickly and free to go after a quick 15 minutes of observation.
“Everyone was very respectful and hygienic,” said sophomore Clarita Gayton, who chose to become vaccinated. “They were very kind and mindful and it all went so smooth and quickly.”
As for the vaccine itself, Gayton said it was nothing.
“I didn’t even notice I was being vaccinated at first!” she said. “It felt like a pinch at most.”
Students who were vaccinated on April 24 will be able to receive the second dose of the vaccine after the allotted two week waiting period. Despite the fact that all students desiring a vaccine will have been able to get one, there were mixed feelings about whether or not the school should resume in person activities.
“We should still wait a little longer for in person events,” said Pociecha. “Even if people have the vaccine we still need to be careful. A lot of progress has been made and we don’t want to end up worse than we are now.”
Martinez felt that in person events could be a plausible option if done safely.
“If everyone who wanted a vaccine is vaccinated then it would be great to hold in person events,” she said. “Maybe just not to full capacity yet,” she added.
As students await their second dose, many students are still unsure about taking the vaccine. Students who have already gone through the process gave some words of advice to those who haven’t yet made their decision.
“If you’re unsure, take things at your own pace,” said Gayton. “You know your body best. Do what is most beneficial for you.”
Pociecha explained why she would advise other young people like herself to go take the shot.
“Even if you don’t feel like you need the vaccine, it’s always better to be safe,” she said. “The closer we can come to less cases, the better chance we all have at a more normal life.”
While the clinic may not be a panacea, it is certainly a step closer to the school and life we all miss.
“It is so important to gain immunity,” said Martinez. “We are closer to getting back to normal.”
