By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
One BGSU student got the COVID vaccine today so he doesn’t put his dad at risk. Another wants to not worry as much at her job in food service. And another desperately wants in-person classes again.
After months of older Americans lining up for COVD vaccines, Tuesday and again on Wednesday are the first chances for many younger adults to get the first dose of the vaccine in Wood County.
Averaging 300 shots an hour, the mass vaccination clinic at the BGSU Perry Field House gave out 2,200 doses today, and will start again Wednesday at 7 a.m. to give out another 2,800 doses. As of this afternoon, all of the appointments for both days had been taken.
The clinic was not restricted to university students, but it appeared many were taking advantage of the opportunity.
“I’ve seen a vast majority of students going through,” said Ben Batey, chief health officer at BGSU. The percentage of BGSU students, minors 16 and older with their parents, and older adults getting vaccine doses will be determined after the 5,000 doses have been injected.
Though on the lower end of the risk spectrum, the university students had reasons for getting the vaccine. For Ryan Kortes, a sophomore from West Lake, it was family – specifically his father who encountered serious health issues recently.
“The pandemic has been hard on him,” Kortes said. “Ultimately, it’s for my family. I want to keep them safe.”
For Caden Morgan, a sophomore from Columbus, the reasoning could be found in her studies.
“Being a student, I’ve really missed going to class. I miss working with other students and having those connections.”
Morgan squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the shot to be painful – but was relieved when it barely hurt.
Mikinzi Pigman, a freshman from Mansfield, got her shot for both her peace of mind and her grandma.
“I work in the food industry. I just think I’ll feel safer getting this,” she said. “Plus my grandma’s a big supporter, and I can’t go very long without seeing her.”
The mass vaccination clinic was organized by BGSU and the Wood County Health Department. As people filtered through the process in the wide open space of the field house, Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Robison and BGSU’s Batey watched for any clogs in the system. They were both pleased with the process, which averaged 25 minutes to get people checked in, vaccinated, and monitored after the shot.
“It’s flowing pretty smooth,” Batey said.
“This is a great setting for moving through,” Robison said. “It’s not chaotic.”
The 5,000 people getting the Pfizer vaccine at the field house will return in three weeks to get their second doses.
To make a mass clinic work, the organizers had 40 vaccinators and about 50 other volunteers on hand. Many working the site were Wood County Health Department staff and medical students from the University of Toledo.
More mass vaccine clinics are planned – as are smaller more community-based clinics.
“It’s balancing big events like this with targeted events,” Robison said.
Across the county, vaccination clinics have been set up in American Legion halls, churches, union halls, schools, the Islamic Center, and the Bowling Green Community Center. A targeted event is planned by LaConexion, with times stretching from 1 to 8 p.m., so people who work different shifts can attend.
“We anticipate being in industries soon,” Robison said, stressing that the health department wants to meet diverse needs. “We’re being responsive. The more access points we have, the easier it is to get to people.”
