Florida State University opened its doors at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center this week to distribute vaccinations in the arms of those in the community who were eligible.
Appointments were available Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The institution has successfully rolled out 4,800 vaccine shots overall to Leon County citizens. Approximately 700 individuals were successfully vaccinated on Wednesday and over 800 during Thursday’s immunizations, according to Dr. James Zedaker, an associate dean at FSU’s College of Medicine.
“My experience getting vaccinated today was great and very well organized. My husband and I didn’t have to wait long. I hadn’t had a flu-shot since 1973 because I’ve been fairly healthy. Now that I’m older I’ve decided to get the vaccine. It’s better to get it than to not be protected at all,” said Tallahassee resident Jeanette McHugh.
Jordan King, a senior at FSU majoring in nursing, enjoyed a similar experience.
“I know there’s a lot of misinformation going around, especially concerning side effects. I’ve gotten all my vaccinations and in the long run it’s more safe for the body than the deadly virus that we’re up against,” King said.
Within the next few weeks, patients will be notified through email about when they will be able to set up their next appointment for their second dosage of the vaccine.
Typically, second doses are administered after three to four weeks depending on whether the individual has received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
“Those people who receive their first dosage and do not come back for the second will be considered partially protected. The second dose is necessary to achieve the full protection. I think the bigger concern would be if someone misses that three week or four week date for their second appointment,” Zedaker, who is also the director of special projects for health and emergency issues, said.
There were roughly 27 medical workers and faculty assisting patients at the Civic Center at any given time. Nurses, medical school students, university health services, law enforcement and parking services came together to facilitate vaccinations.
“It is so important to highlight how all of these different groups have come together to collaborate and to make sure that we get the county vaccinated. Not just in Florida, but here in Leon County as well. I know that FAMU is setting up a vaccine center and we really welcome that also,” Zedaker said.