Club helps students get COVID-19 vaccine
Three students create club to facilitate finding vaccine appointments
Student browses a website for locating COVID-19 vaccines. There are many online resources that assist with finding and making a vaccine appointment.
June 1, 2021
Finding a COVID-19 vaccine can feel like navigating a maze of websites and waitlists, especially for those under 18, who are only approved for Pfizer. Junior Semona Robel said she advises people searching for a vaccine appointment to be persistent.
“First and foremost, don’t give up. You’ll probably be put on a waitlist. That’s what happened to me, and I eventually got an appointment in a matter of three days. So, don’t give up. Be patient,” Robel said.
Alongside Robel, Seniors Gabe Kaplan and Tamar Gewirtz created a club to help Park students find vaccine appointments. According to Gewirtz, getting students vaccinated is crucial for everyone’s safety.
“I want people to get vaccinated. The more people that get vaccinated, the more normal we’ll hopefully be able to move (toward),” Gewirtz said. “If I can help get people vaccinated, that would be great — It’s safer for everyone, it’s better for everyone, it’s in everyone’s best interest.”
Senior Mimi Kniser said volunteering for the club consists of helping people register for a vaccine, and explaining to people the importance of getting vaccinated.
“(My job is) basically helping people register if they don’t know what to do, and also to talk to people who are on the fence about getting the vaccine in general,” Kniser said. “I would tell them every vaccine is safe and it’s tested and they work well. I would explain to them that it’s their responsibility to (get vaccinated) for the herd immunity.”
If I can help get people vaccinated, that would be great — It’s safer for everyone, it’s better for everyone, it’s in everyone’s best interest.
— Tamar Gewirtz
Robel said that although other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are still relevant, getting vaccinated is the most critical step toward the return to regular life.
“Taking precautions is still important, but the quickest way we’re going to get back to what we all perceive as normal is when we all get vaccinated. I’m just happy to be part of a club that is able to provide people with the resources to do so,” Robel said.
According to Kniser, the club members are helpful because they have resources that make finding a vaccine straightforward.
“If you’re looking for a vaccine, contact any of the people that are in the club because we all have easy links to set up appointments really quick,” Kniser said. “We can set it up for you. You don’t even have to do anything.”
