The City of Trenton Health Department teamed up with Thomas Edison University and Mercer County Community College to vaccinate 400 residents today in a nationwide effort to fight the Coronavirus.
The team of students was giving out the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine shot to residents of Mercer county. The Moderna Vaccine is one of three different vaccines that a person can get and involves a second shot 28 days after the first shot.
Dr. Adela Ames-Lopez, The Director of Health and Human Services, explains that this first shot will not stop someone from getting COVID-19. Instead, it will lessen the symptoms of COVID-19.
“Receiving the vaccinations is far more greater than contracting the COVID Virus.” Dr. Ames-Lopez said. “What we are talking about lessening the hospital visits, the ER visits, residences on respirators and ventilators. Those types of things are what the vaccinations would help deter.”
Lia van Rijswijk, the Associate Dean for the undergraduate programs W. Cary Edwards school of nursing, explains that due to the snowstorm and vaccines being delayed, Mayor Gusciora called and asked for help.
“It was a bit of an emergency, I guess. The mayor called and said we need help because of the snowstorm. It’s been interesting, but [the students] volunteered, and we are here to help the community,” Rijswijk said.
The day went smoothly as different volunteers administered vaccines, registered people, checked temperatures, and guided visitors through receiving a vaccine.
Swapna Kanaparthi, a nursing student at Mercer County Community College, explained that she had serviced people from all backgrounds and ages.
“It’s good. I’m glad that people are getting vaccinated. They are very relieved. Everyone coming in here tells me they feel a little bit better now.” Kanaparthi said.
Those who received the vaccine are hopeful of the effectiveness of it. As Sarah Umge, a resident from Ewing Township, explains, that is very hopeful after receiving the shot from today.
“Yes, I am very hopeful about the vaccine. I am especially hopeful about the more people who receive it is for everybody to start having a fully functioning economy and social interaction, which we all miss, “ Umger said.
To register to get a vaccine to go to https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine and enroll in the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System. Dr. Adela Ames-Lopez explains that even with the COVID vaccine, there is still work to be done.
“I would just like to say, if you are considering or not considering, I am still going to suggest you register for the vaccine. At the same time, I encourage everyone to continue being tested as well as continue to wash their hands, watch their distance and really continue to wear masks.” Dr. Ames-Lopez said.
