Gordon State College Continues With Vaccinations
Gordon State College is pleased to announce that it has begun the process of vaccinating certain individuals on its campus to protect against the COVID-19 virus.
Originally, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine was offered to those individuals who meet the current criteria to receive the vaccine – including faculty and staff who are 55+ years of age, anyone with developmental disabilities, or faculty and staff who are age 16 years or older with underlying conditions.
But recent news from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office has designated anyone who is 16-years-old and older can receive the vaccine, which could prove to be beneficial to Highlander Nation as we continue through the spring semester.
Through March 29, a total of 204 first-round doses were provided to the Gordon State College Community. The College will now expand its focus to providing first-round doses to other faculty, staff and students who are interested in receiving the vaccine at this time.
“We believe this news from Governor Brian Kemp marks a significant moment for Gordon State College and its entire community as we begin to administer the vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, GSC President. “I am extremely proud of everyone associated with our college for their patience and determination over the past 12 months as we have endured this global pandemic. Now we are hopeful that we can begin the process of returning to a more normal campus environment as individuals are vaccinated.”
The GSC Department of Human Resources is partnering with the GSC Student Health Center; the GSC School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences; and the Lamar County Department of Public Health to make vaccines available as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“I am very excited to help bring COVID vaccine access to campus for the faculty and staff this next phase,” said Dr. Samantha Bishop, Director of Nursing at GSC. “I think we are fortunate that Sherry Farr and her team from Lamar County Health Department are willing to come to campus to bring this important step to us. I look forward to working with our nursing students in assisting them.”
COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This type of coronavirus has not been seen before. Individuals can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus and it is predominantly a respiratory illness that can affect other organs.
“I am also thankful to Sherry Farr and her team for partnering with us to allow our faculty and staff easy access to the COVID vaccines,” said Molly Minter, Director of the GSC Student Health Center.
“It is amazing that we are able to help our community and our students,” said Brandy Myers, GSC Nursing student.