Penn College Health Science Students Administer Free Flu Shots

Students in the School of Health Sciences at Pennsylvania College of Technology administered free flu shots at seven locations Nov. 16-18 in cooperation with the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Students in the paramedic, nursing and physician assistant academic majors gave approximately 300 flu shots, as well as some pneumonia injections, under the supervision of Penn College faculty and a state Department of Health nurse. The student volunteers also distributed information regarding the vaccines.

"This was an opportunity to provide preventive health care to the community," said Mindy L. Carr, clinical director for the college's paramedic program. "The students enjoy getting out into the community and providing supportive health information."

The free flu-shot clinics were held at the Hughesville Fire Co., Keystone Hook and Ladder Co. (Muncy), the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Co., the Waterville Fire Department, the Wheeland Center (Jersey Shore), the Hepburn Volunteer Fire Co. (Cogan Station) and The Campbell Street Center (Williamsport).

"(The students) represented Penn College professionally and provided a great service," said Michelle A. Latshaw, associate professor of nursing. "I appreciate their eagerness to volunteer their time on their day off."

In addition to providing student volunteers to staff the clinics, Penn College also supplied syringes and the printed materials to promote the events in each community.

The vaccines, given on a walk-in basis, were supplied by the state Department of Health's Division of Immunization through funds from State Health Improvement Plan partners.