Hortonville schools help develop covid vaccine model

By John Faucher

There were no long lines, hassles or fusses Saturday, April 17, at Hortonville High School.

Just a sign that read “COIVD Vaccination Clinic,” located outside door number 18 of the high school alongside ample parking off Werner Street in Hortonville.

It was the first of its kind COVID-19 public vaccination clinic held at the school in collaboration with Outagamie County Public Health Division, Uvanta Pharmacy and the Hortonville Area School District (HASD).

The clinic administered 186 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to members of the public over the age of 16 with a scheduled appointment from 8-10 a.m.

Participants registered for appointments through Outagamie County’s website at www.Outagamie .org.

A link at the top of the homepage directed individuals on how to schedule an appointment and informed them wabout the vaccine, and what to bring for the appointment.

HASD had previously partnered with Uvanta Pharmacy to vaccinate 425 staff members and spouses when they became eligible for the vaccine a month earlier.

The vaccine became available to all persons age 16 and older in Wisconsin on April 5.

“We’re leaning on trusted partners to be able to reach out to our rural communities,” said Outagamie County Public Health Officer, Natalie Vandeveld.

“Hortonville Area School District and Uvanta Pharmacy tested this vaccine administration model when educators became eligible last month and their system worked well. HASD leading in this capacity is a signal of their commitment to assist in providing vaccines directly in their community,” said Vandeveld.
District Administrator Todd Timm said HASD was excited to partner with Outagamie County Public Health and Uvanta Pharmacy to support a community vaccination clinic at Hortonville High School.

“The district believes the clinic is an opportunity to support the health and well-being of our community,” said Timm.

“Partnerships such as this, are a great example of how our community can come together to get everyone vaccinated,” said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson.

“This also aligns with our county goal of doing all we can to limit the spread of the virus and save lives,” he said.

Vandeveld said it was important to continue preventative measures such as physical distancing, use of masks, hand washing and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine remains the best action one can take towards stopping further spread here in our communities,” said Vandeveld.