SV school nurses roll up sleeves for vaccine
It was a shot in the arm — literally and metaphorically — for nurses in the Seneca Valley School District this week.
They and others received the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine offered by Butler Memorial Hospital as part of the state’s phased approach to vaccinating Pennsylvanians. The first round of doses was received this week by nurses with the second dose scheduled for later this month.
“We are fortunate to have our own local hospital in Butler County that makes serving our community and supporting our schools a top priority,” said Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley superintendent. “Our school nurses were ecstatic to be offered the vaccine from Butler Health System. They are on the frontline serving our children and staff, and I am thankful that Seneca Valley has such dedicated medical professionals to lead us through this pandemic.”
The school nurses reported that the process was quick, easy and well-organized. They were among others in the state’s Phase 1A plan, including various front-line health care workers, to receive the vaccine this week.
“As a health care professional, I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Liz Williams, the district’s school nurse administrator. “I am in awe of the great efforts that went into the research, development and distribution of this vaccine. 2020 has been a long and difficult year and I look forward to the day of looking back, being a part of history, and taking a step to end this time of uncertainty.
“I am also hopeful that the general public will be more confident in the vaccine if they observe health professionals receiving it first. My hope is that our teachers can be next.”
