FIREFIGHTERS HELP VACCINATE WILLAMETTE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students in the Bethel School District are rolling up their sleeves this week for the coronavirus vaccine.

Posted: Apr 29, 2021 11:22 AMPosted By: Jacob Roberts

EUGENE, Ore. -- Students in the Bethel School District are rolling up their sleeves this week for the coronavirus vaccine.

At Willamette High School Thursday, the district held its third vaccine clinic of the week. District officials said about 300 students have received their first dose in the last few days.

The district also opened the clinic to students from nearby schools and even some parents.

Zoe Wenham, a senior at Elmira High School, received a shot Thursday and said she hopes more people her age sign up.

“Just because it’s new or because some people think it’s political or whatever- it’s not. It’s just as important. We want to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Wenham said.

Eugene-Springfield Firefighters administered the doses to the students.

The school district said it’s already helped vaccinate 3,000 teachers and staff since February, including giving shots to rural districts.

Some students like Matthew McElwain see the vaccine as a ticket to getting back to normal life.

“I was excited. I was supposed to go to Costa Rica last year, but we couldn’t. Now with that vaccine, that’s a possibility,” McElwain said.

The students are receiving the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for emergency use in people 16 and older.