H1N1 Vaccine clinic runs smoothly at College

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA COLLEGE—An H1N1 vaccine clinic went smoothly here tonight (Nov. 19) as some 250 people came out to get vaccinated. Clinic organizers were ready for 1,000.

MAT-SU College students Kori Radcliffe, 22, and Chris Chong, 21, both felt the vaccine was important enough for them to be on campus on a Thursday night, getting a shot or a nasal spray.Patti Lauer, a registered nurse, with MAT-SU Public Health ran the clinic as manager. "Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who made it possible. I really enjoyed working with all of them, and hope to work with them again."

Many preschoolers also came through. Several children under 10 received their second vaccine. Throughout the hallways volunteers greeted and guided people to the right spot.

“This was a great training experience, we had great volunteerism,” said Tom Smayda, Emergency Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. “It was a great inter-agency clinic,” he said.

MAT-SU Public Health with the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, the MAT-SU Borough and MAT-SU College teamed up. Charter College and the University of Alaska Anchorage also played a role. Ten students from the medical assistant program at Charter College attended. Several paramedic students from the new program at MAT-SU College participated. “I’m interested in public health. I liked covering a large community in a short time,” said Tyhesia White, a nursing student at UAA, graduating in December.

“The first 100 slammed us hard, nobody was in line, then 100,” said Angela Walker, a certified medical assistant at Charter College. “I look forward to the next clinic.”
EMT student Lisa Schobert said she was glad to have the experience.

“We have the future of medical care in the Valley right here,” said Jane Conard, with MAT-SU Public Health. “Professionals like these ladies are who we are going to look to if we have a big issue tomorrow,” Conard said.

Harlen Harmon, MAT-SU College Director of Administrative Services, said the College was pleased to be a good neighbor and participate. “It’s also good for people to see what we’re all about,” he said.

This is one of several clinics going on in the MAT-SU. Sutton will have an H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinic on Wed. Nov. 25 from 3-6 at Sutton Library for priority groups.
The MAT-SU Borough and MAT-SU Public Health are planning a vaccine clinic on Dec. 17 at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.

For more information call Public Health at 352-6600 or Patty Sullivan, director of public affairs, MAT-SU Borough, 745-9577, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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