SOLANO COUNTY PARTNERS WITH VUSD FOR FIRST VACCINATION CLINIC
As Solano County Public Health continues to host more COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the county, one finally came to Vacaville Monday. The agency partnered with Vacaville Unified School District to host one at Markham Elementary School.
Benjamin Gammon, Solano County’s Emergency Medical Services coordinator, said 1,500 people were scheduled to receive the first of two doses of the Moderna vaccine, with the recipients again consisting of individuals in vulnerable populations such as seniors ages 65 or older or with chronic illnesses, first responders and health care workers.
Additionally, there was a doctor
in the parking lot where people lined up to sign in. The doctor also worked with the Solano County Office of Emergency Services and Solano County Sheriff’s Office to assist people with mobility issues.
Gammon was pleased with the turnout.
“I think it’s a great turnout,” he said. “The line is going very, very smooth.”
Gammon credits the continuing work of agencies to put the clinics on, including Kaiser Permanente, NorthBay Healthcare, Medic Ambulance, Vacaville Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, and OES. Another significant partner Monday was VUSD, which allowed for the use of Markham’s new multipurpose room for the clinic.
Gammon was especially grateful to Principal Jose Bermudez.
“We couldn’t have done it without Jose offering his gymnasium, his staff, his parking lot,” he said.
Ted Selby, Solano’s EMS administrator, said vaccination clinics have already been held throughout the county in cities like Vallejo, Fairfield, Benicia, Dixon, and Rio Vista, and Solano Public Health wanted to include Vacaville. Solano Public Health spoke with Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) officials about a possible site that would be accessible to older residents, and they decided on Markham.
“We were looking for an area that wouldn’t cause too much traffic congestion in the city,” he said. “Many of the residents in this area are familiar with Markham School, and they come here for many different events, so we felt that it would be a great location to meet the needs of those individuals who reside in the community.”
Add in a newly reconstructed multipurpose room to house the clinic, and Selby said it was “the perfect location for us.” He also said Markham and VUSD administrative personnel were on hand to assist with the event. Among those on hand were Dan Banowetz, chief facilities, maintenance, and operations officer; Ed Santopadre, associate superintendent of educational services; and Superintendent Jane Shamieh.
“It’s a wonderful partnership,” Shamieh said. “It’s very well-organized, and we’ve got a great team from VUSD helping out.”
Shamieh also said she was very impressed with the volunteers from OES helping
out and thanked Solano Public Health and SCOE for their assistance in the process.
“We’ve seen a lot of positive feedback from our teachers and other staff how well it’s gone from the beginning and signing up to (finally) getting the shot,” she said.
As of last week, Selby said approximately 60,000 individuals in Solano County had been vaccinated with a total
of 87,000 shots given, including both the first and second doses. Those who were vaccinated Monday will be going back to Markham to receive the second dose on March 29.
Leatrice Burstein, 85, came all the way from Benicia to the clinic after hearing about it from her daughter. She said the vaccination went very well.
“It was quick, and it was easy,” she said.
Burstein said she “absolutely” encourages people who are eligible for the vaccinations to receive them and to do so at Markham if they can.
“I think everybody should get the shot if they can,” she said. “Hopefully the whole public will be vaccinated.”
Selby said Solano Public Health was planning for additional clinics but did not have any specific sites set in stone. Nonetheless, he said they would undoubtedly be returning to Vacaville.
Selby reiterated the strength of the partnerships.
“Everyone is working together to really reach those eligible individuals in the community and get them vaccinated and protected from this virus,” he said.
To be notified of when vaccine clinics become available, fill out an interest form at Solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus_links/covid_19_vaccines.asp.