Health staff, President Maxey get COVID-19 vaccines
February 17, 2021
Nearly all of the Student Health and Counseling Services staff is fully vaccinated, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Public Health Sandy McGhee said, as all but two staff members received their second round of the COVID-19 shots last week.
“I feel fortunate we were able to access the vaccine so quickly,” McGhee said. “It truly is a gift that will allow the staff to feel more confident when caring for those with suspected and confirmed COVID infections. Like so many others, they have been working with the worry of taking something home to their families.”
There is also hope that more members of the campus community can be vaccinated soon. This past weekend, the Virginia Department of Health switched to a centralized system for preregistering for the vaccine. People are encouraged to go to that site to either register or check to see if they are registered.
It finally felt like we had power over this COVID-19 virus that has held our world in its clutches for more than a year now. It is a marvel that these safe and effective vaccines were developed so rapidly, and it feels like a significant milestone in this nation’s history that we were able to do this.
President Michael C. Maxey, on getting the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine
President Michael C. Maxey and his wife, Terri, also received their first round of the vaccine on Jan. 27. They are set to receive the second round of the vaccine on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
“The experience itself was quick and efficient, and neither Terri nor I have experienced any ill effects of it,” President Maxey said. “I have taken time since then to reflect on the significance of the moment. It finally felt like we had power over this COVID-19 virus that has held our world in its clutches for more than a year now. It is a marvel that these safe and effective vaccines were developed so rapidly, and it feels like a significant milestone in this nation’s history that we were able to do this.
“I would also extend my thanks and appreciation to the medical staff and volunteers at the Berglund Center who are doing such an excellent and efficient job of vaccinating those in the local community. We anticipate the time soon when more members of the campus community can receive their vaccines. These vaccines are a breakthrough victory against the pandemic.”
CVS pharmacies have begun scheduling appointments, but McGhee says those are filling up quickly. The College applied to be a vaccination site, but there is no update on that front, McGhee said. While the rollout of the vaccine has been slow in Virginia and elsewhere, McGhee said she’s confident those who need the vaccine will soon be able to get it.
“People are understandably frustrated,” McGhee said, “but I think this will improve once the supply increases.”