Vaccinations Given to 1,390 ECC Employees, Residents

There were 1,390 COVID-19 vaccinations administered March 30 in a joint operation between Sinks Pharmacy and East Central College.

The vaccination clinic was spearheaded by Dr. Michelle Smith, executive director of institutional effectiveness at ECC, who worked closely with Sinks Pharmacy representatives to organize the event in less than a week.

“Yesterday was a ’shot in the arm’ in so many ways,” Smith said. “There were 1,390 people vaccinated, and so many people were appreciative — we served our community well.”

Sinks employees, as well as ECC Allied Health division employees, delivered the Moderna vaccinations over a six-hour period in the Donald Shook Student Center gymnasium. The second round of vaccinations are slated for April 27.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the vaccination fits into the college’s mission of serving the community.

“I could not be more proud to be associated with East Central College,” Dr. Bauer said. “There are now 1,400 colleagues, students, friends, family and neighbors who have been vaccinated.”

In addition, he praised the work of Dr. Smith, ECC employees who volunteered, Sinks Pharmacy and others who made the event a success.

“Thanks to our facilities staff for getting the gym ready, to employees who have volunteered to ensure it goes smoothly, to those in our allied health programs for assisting in the clinic, and all others who have helped ensure its success,” Dr. Bauer said.

Planning for the clinic begin about one week before the event took place, according to Dr. Smith. During the time of initial planning and execution, the scope of the clinic grew.

At first, there were just a few hundred vaccinations available to ECC employees. As Sinks Pharmacy secured additional vaccinations, there was 1,000 vaccinations, and finally 1,400 vaccinations, available, allowing for community members to also be vaccinated.