DOVER PLAINS — Checking a critical task off their lists of things to do before school starts, individuals ages 12 and up made an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccine clinic held at Dover High School on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 shot for people 12 and older in the United States in May. The Dover Union Free School District held the clinic with Dr. Neal Smoller, pharmacist and owner of Village Apothecary in Woodstock.
“Dover has always been supportive of the community’s choice and providing them that opportunity during and throughout the pandemic,” said Dover Superintendent of Schools David Fine.
With Dover scheduled to start classes on Tuesday, Sept. 7, Fine said, “We’re really excited to have the students live and to get everyone back in classes and continue to progress forward with our school year.”
Held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Dover High School library conference room, the clinic offered the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Booster shots were also given. Though appointments were preferred, walk-ins were accepted.
Similar to previous COVID-19 vaccines clinics held at Dover High School, individuals were required to wear face masks when entering the building.
Glancing around the high school lobby, a mixture of students and adults waited to receive the shots. While they were waiting, members of the school staff made sure people were comfortable, offering water and making conversation.
Orientation for ninth grade students was held on the same night as the clinic as a reminder of the importance of protecting the region’s youth against the pandemic.
Walking out of the conference room and into the lobby, Dr. Smoller greeted each individual warmly as he called their names and checked to see which vaccine they preferred. After the shot was administered, patients sat in the lobby to see if there were any side effects.
Those who were vaccinated said it was a necessity, whether for their own health or to keep participating in society during the pandemic.
“Aside from the fact that I was forced to, no,” replied Dover resident Larissa Antigua when asked if she had any reservations about getting vaccinated that evening. “I guess everybody’s got to… Not that I’m against it, not that I’m for it, it’s just the way it is.”
“I just felt like it, felt like being safe,” said Dover High School senior Adrian Totino, 16, after receiving her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
When asked about the coming school year and whether she felt confident the regulations her school district has enacted will keep students and staff safe this year, Totino said she was nervous but believes everything will be OK. She added she was excited to finally get vaccinated.
“Since this pandemic started, I’ve made it my mission to make sure the people in my charge are protected,” Dr. Smoller said the following day. “I’m glad people are finally making the plunge to get the vaccine.”
Smoller said he vaccinated 23 people age 12 and older at Wednesday’s clinic, adding that many of the adults who came to the clinic wanted the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
While attendance at the Aug. 25 clinic paled to other vaccine clinics held in the Dover school district — especially when vaccines first began to roll out — Smoller remarked, “Every little bit helps.”
From left, Hailey and Jason Antigua congratulated their mother, Dover resident Larissa, as she received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the vaccine clinic held at Dover High School on Wednesday evening, Aug. 25. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle
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