Covid 19 Vaccination Site

The Covid 19 Pandemic led to many unprecedented trials and tribulations.  With the discovery and release of FDA approved vaccines, the focus quickly shifted to determining the most efficient ways to make the vaccine available to the public. 

Laurel and surrounding counties had seen a broad spectrum of public response to the vaccinations, with some individuals ready to be vaccinated immediately and others fearful of side effects and complications.  Extension has utilized its reputation of providing research based and unbiased information to inform our community members of the safety of the vaccines and the importance of being vaccinated; however, the rate of vaccination in Laurel County was reported to be less than 25%.   Since many people also indicated a lack of transportation or inability to find available vaccination appointments, the need for a large, centralized vaccination site was apparent.

The Laurel County Extension Service collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Disaster Medical System, Kentucky National Guard, American Medical Response, Kentucky Department of Public Health, and London City Police to provide a local site for the public to receive free Covid 19 vaccinations.  The request was for the use of our entire meeting room facilities from April 28 until June 9, which we were happy to accommodate.  As a result, I was tasked with finding suitable meeting room space for extension events and classes that were scheduled during those times.   Additionally, all program participants had to be notified of the location changes and the changes in Covid 19 restrictions based on the new meeting locations.  

The Laurel County Extension Office fielded all public calls regarding the vaccination process and requirements, and we utilized our marketing and social media outlets to advertise the free vaccination services.  The vaccination team consisted of 49 rotating members from 22 states.  All of these employees required lodging, meals, and recreational opportunities during their assignment.  This resulted in a significant economic impact for our local hotel and restaurant industry, both of which had been struggling due to Covid restrictions.  Based on the 2021 per diem rates of $96 per night for lodging and $55 per day for meals, it can be estimated that approximately $310,000 was added to our local economy.  

To protect our staff and visitors, I worked with the vaccination team to develop cleaning and maintenance schedules to assure proper sanitation of our facility while minimizing the impact of the service on our janitorial crew. Overall, the vaccination clinic administered 3,238 shots, with 84 of those patients being Hispanic, African American, Asian/Pacific Islanders, or individuals who identified as being two or more races.