URI Pharmacy students vaccinate hundreds against the flu

November 10, 2020
Pharmacy student N'Deye Dabo directs a student to a vaccination table. Dabo organized flu vaccination clinics on Nov. 9 and Nov. 16.
Pharmacy student N'Deye Dabo directs a student to a vaccination table. Dabo organized flu vaccination clinics on Nov. 9 and Nov. 16.

Student N’Deye Dabo partnered with Health Services to organize the flu clinic Monday, and another on Nov. 16

Hundreds of URI students were vaccinated against the flu Monday, thanks to a clinic organized by a College of Pharmacy student, who is also studying vaccine hesitancy for the flu and a future COVID-19 vaccine. Another clinic is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16.

N’Deye Dabo, who specializes in public health with Clinical Professor Jeffrey Bratberg, partnered with URI Health Services to provide the vaccinations in the Memorial Union Ballroom, where the next clinic will take place Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dabo used the opportunity to learn from students their history with vaccinations and their willingness to receive flu and COVID vaccines.

Students were asked to complete a survey asking whether they’ve received the flu vaccine in the past and whether they would continue to do so going forward. They were also asked about any concerns they may have about side effects.

“We want to gauge their hesitancy for the flu vaccine, see their mindset and figure out what we can do to encourage them to take the vaccine,” Dabo said. “Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.”

The survey also asked students their opinions on a potential COVID vaccine, and whether they have any similar concerns.

“Once the vaccine comes out, we’re going to have to go full force, all hands on deck to get people vaccinated,” Dabo said. “We can lend a huge hand to getting as many people vaccinated as possible. We want everyone to get vaccinated.”

The pharmacy students vaccinated 261 students against the flu Monday. Anyone who missed Monday’s clinic is welcome to attend the next one Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. All students, faculty and staff members between 18 and 65 are welcome. Check out a gallery of students attending Monday’s clinic, where the socially distanced line stretched out the front door of the Memorial Union.