On Monday, May 17, LWHS hosted a second vaccine clinic in conjunction with Mission Wellness Pharmacy. The first clinic, to offer the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to the school’s students, their family members and friends, had been held three weeks before, on April 26. 85 people got their shots that day.
The second clinic was initially intended to administer second doses only. But LWHS and Mission Wellness Pharmacy opened up the second clinic to those interested in getting a first dose as well, including children in the recently-eligible 12-15 age group. 150 LWHS community members and others got vaccinated on campus on May 17.
An additional clinic on June 7 will offer the second dose to those who received their first shot on May 17.
The clinics have been by appointment only. The link to register was sent out in the eTiger. Students under the age of 18 were required to have parental permission to receive the vaccine. Those over the age of 18 were able to complete their own consent form.
LWHS had been in communication with Mission Wellness Pharmacy throughout the year and worked with them on LWHS’ rapid testing program every Monday. The two decided to start a vaccine clinic in the gym for students and their families, as well as people in the area who may feel more comfortable receiving the vaccine in a school environment.
Henrietta Benziger ’24 received her first vaccine at LWHS. “I chose to get vaccinated at Lick because of the convenience and because there would be a follow-up clinic that would allow me to get my second dose on time,” she said. “I will admit that I have pretty bad needle-phobia, but getting my shot on campus, surrounded by people I trust, helped put my terror at ease.”
Many schools across the Bay Area are opening vaccine pop-up clinics in order to ensure everyone has access to free vaccinations near them in a comfortable setting. In Contra Costa County, clinics are rotating weekly through schools in every area, making it convenient for people at any school to receive their vaccine.
Now that anyone age 12 or older is able to receive the vaccine, schools have become an ideal location for pop-up clinics.
Jacob Weiner ’23, who is 15, was looking for somewhere to get vaccinated once he became eligible. He chose LWHS because of its convenience. “It was the most accessible way and it was super quick and easy,” he said.
Although LWHS only has plans for one more clinic on June 7, it is likely pop-up clinics in schools across San Francisco will start to appear as vaccinations become available to more and more people.
