Karns City Area Jr. Sr. High School will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for community members ages 12 and older from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 20.

The school has partnered with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to administer Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in the high school cafeteria. Booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be available to eligible participants.

According to Eric Ritzert, Karns City superintendent, this is the third clinic to be held in the school's facility. Sessions also were held in mid-July and early August with light attendance.

“UPMC Children's reached out, and we had two clinics over the summer. They were easy to manage and convenient for community members,” Ritzert said.

Ritzert said based on the past two sessions, those participating in the clinic can expect the entire experience to take an average of 30 minutes.

Although students and staff are being presented with the opportunity for vaccination at the clinic, Ritzert said there is no pressure.

“(It's) voluntary. We're not making this a requirement, we're just providing a facility,” Ritzert said. “I'd encourage people to talk to their physicians and make their own decisions.”

Nurses from Children's Hospital will oversee and administer the vaccines. Ritzert said a number of local EMS responders will be present as a precaution should any participants react negatively to vaccination.

The majority of the community has responded positively to the decision to host the clinic, according to Ritzert.

Community members can preregister on the school's website and schedule a vaccination time. Walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, visit www.kcask12.org.