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Zamirrea Moore’s parents provided her with factual information about COVID-19 vaccinations, along with their opinion that it would be a good medical decision, and on Friday, Sept.10, the 18-year-old from East St. Louis rolled up her sleeve and got the shot. 

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) senior, accompanied by her mother, Jazmin Moore, got her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the COVID Vaccine Clinic, sponsored by CHS, SIHF (Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation) and Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville. The clinic, that ran from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., was held in the Multipurpose Room of Building D at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC). 

“The vaccine clinic was offered to the community of East St. Louis to help join in the fight against COVID-19,” said CHS Interim Assistant Director Pamela Saffore. “Many of the families connected to SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School have been impacted by this deadly virus. We are thankful for the partnership with SIHF and Touchette Hospital to make the vaccine available for the local community. The safety and health of our students is a high priority.” 

“I came to get the vaccination shot, because soon I believe it will be mandatory,” said Zamirrea. “I plan to tell others to get vaccinated, so they can be healthy and stay safe.” 

“She makes her own decisions,” said Jazmin, who also received the Pfizer vaccine and was fully vaccinated in July. “I’m happy that she decided to get vaccinated. I think it will protect her better, if she does get sick.” 

 Possible vaccination requirements are partly what prompted Shaquita Harris, of East St. Louis, to receive her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine during the clinic. She works in the restaurant business. 

“Also, I have three family members who had COVID,” added Harris. “I have a 10-year-old son, and I want to protect him.” 

“The majority of people I know, do not want the vaccine,” said Twaunda Buchanan, of East St. Louis, a registered nurse with Touchette Regional Hospital. “Many people in the Black community have a fear of the medical community. It’s going to take some time, but unfortunately, we probably don’t have that type of time.” 

“I think it is more of the younger people who are anti-vaccination because of the rumors and misinformation on social media,” said Bria Godfrey, of East St Louis, SIHF patient access representative. “I have younger family members who are against it. My older relatives are fully vaccinated.” 

“The majority of my family are in favor of the vaccine,” said Sharita Redd, of East St. Louis, SIHF patient success representative. She and her 15-year-old daughter have been vaccinated. “I gave my daughter the pros and cons about the vaccine, and let her make up her own mind.” 

“You reach one, you teach one,” said Buchanan. 

A total of five people received their first dose of the Pfizer shot during the Sept. 10 clinic. CHS, SIHF and Touchette Hospital will sponsor another COVID Vaccine Clinic for the second Pfizer shot from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1 in the Multipurpose Room at the ESLHEC. 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.

Photo:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School senior Zamirrea Moore receives her first does of the Pfizer vaccine from SIHF Medical Assistant Elana White.