A gray SUV carrying three generations of the same family pulled into the parking lot behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum on Saturday morning.
Daniela Chala ’16 had heard about the free flu shot clinic that the UNC Greensboro School of Nursing hosts every year as part of Homecoming festivities.
She decided to bring her partner, mother, aunt, and grandmother with her this year, so all five of them could get flu shots as the family prepares to welcome its newest member.
“My sister is pregnant, and they recommended that everybody have the flu shot since the baby is almost due,” Chala said. “That was very helpful.”
A dozen UNCG nursing students set up tables, chairs, and two canopies and turned a portion of Lot 7 on UNCG’s campus into a drive-through flu shot clinic last Saturday. They gave out 58 free flu shots that Cone Health provided during the clinic.
The first participants arrived around 10:30 a.m., and they remained in their vehicles with face coverings on to limit any possible exposure to the coronavirus.
Working in small teams, the nursing students – all but one of them a senior – spoke with participants and had them answer a series of health and coronavirus-related questions. They then administered the flu shots and monitored the participants for any adverse reactions to it.
Dr. Audrey Snyder, the School of Nursing’s associate dean for experiential learning and innovation, and nursing faculty members Dr. Carolyn Hoskins and Dr. Timothy Sowicz stood by to assist the students.
“With COVID-19, it is important to get a flu shot this year to protect yourself, your family, co-workers, and community. There were some first-time flu shot participants, and we applaud them for coming out,” Snyder said. “This event provided the opportunities to build student skill and confidence and to share the importance of giving back to UNCG alumni and the greater community.”
The School of Nursing has traditionally held a free flu shot clinic during Homecoming week. Close to 900 flu shots have been given out at the event over the past six years.
Story and photography by Alex Abrams, School of Nursing
