As the COVID-19 delta variant continues to threaten people around the country, the Platte County Department of Health and the Mid-Continent Public Library have been working together since the beginning of the pandemic to try and protect the residents of Platte County by offering free vaccinations.
In September, October and November, their vaccination drives will continue in Dearborn, Edgerton, Camden Point, Weston and Riverside.
“As the health departments looked for venues to set up vaccine clinics when they became available, the library was happy to offer its space for the public service,” Emily Becker, Mid-Continent Public Library community relations specialist said. “Health departments and public libraries are natural partners as they are both public entities dedicated to serving their local communities through free resources and services. Hosting these clinics is just one more way the library can do this and connect folks to their local health experts.”
The Platte County Health Department will offer all three vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson) for the first and/or second dose during their clinics. Booster shots will also be available for those who qualify.
To receive a booster shot, at least 28 days must have passed since receiving the second dose, and those who receive a booster must sign an attestation form. Those who are receiving their second dose or booster shot must bring their vaccine card.
No appointment is required for the vaccine. People can drop in any time during the clinic events. The Food and Drug Administration formally approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 23. The decision replaces the emergency use authorization granted by the agency in December 2020.
Aaron Smullin, public information officer for the Platte County Health Department, said they are very fortunate to have this opportunity to partner with the library to increase vaccination rates in Platte County.
“We encourage community members to become vaccinated to slow the spread of COVID and having people help us spread that message can help increase vaccination rates,” Smullin said. “Getting vaccinated is truly one of the best defenses to help protect against COVID. Becoming vaccinated is one of the best ways to help us in the battle against COVID. If you’re sick, stay home. Also, we encourage community members to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.”
The soothing atmosphere of community libraries may offer a comforting element for people who have fear or mixed feelings about the vaccines.
“Public libraries are community spaces, which makes them an ideal place to host events like the vaccine clinics where community members can speak directly with their local public health experts and use that information to support their health and wellness,” Becker said. “MCPL welcomes everyone to stop by one of the Platte County Health Department’s vaccine clinics at the library’s branches. For a full list of those dates and times, visit mymcpl.org/Vaccine.”
While it’s difficult for the library and health department to know exactly how many people will make a trip to the libraries for the vaccine, Smullin said if only one individual comes to the clinic, that’s one more that is now protected against COVID.
“One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is getting the vaccination rate up in Platte County,” Smullin said. “We have expanded opportunities for community members to receive the vaccine at no cost to them.”
He is proud to work for the health department knowing that it gives him the opportunity to help the greater community in which he lives and works. And since libraries are central locations in many of the cities served by the health department and serve as community spaces, Smullin is thankful for the combined effort of the health department and library.
Smullin also believes that getting information to the public about the safety of the vaccine is important.
“The vaccine is safe and has been tested to ensure that safety,” Smullin said. “While we know individuals may not believe the science behind vaccine creation, the best and brightest around the world worked on creating a vaccine that would help protect all of us from COVID. Getting the vaccine reduces one’s chance of becoming severely ill from COVID. As we have seen in hospitals in KC and around the nation, those sickest with COVID are those that have not been vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated.”
Vaccination schedule
Friday, Sept. 10, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Edgerton Branch and 1 – 3 p.m. at the Dearborn Branch
Friday, Sept. 24, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Camden Point Branch and 1 – 3 p.m. at the Weston Branch
Friday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m. – noon at the Riverside Branch
Friday, Oct. 22, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Camden Point Branch and 1 – 3 p.m. at the Weston Branch
Friday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. – noon at the Riverside Branch