USA Health vaccinated thousands of educators in Baldwin and Mobile counties

In two days, USA Health staff and volunteers administered more than 4,200 COVID vaccines to teachers, school staff and others who attended mass vaccine events focusing on educators in Mobile and Baldwin counties. 

More than 2,200 Baldwin County educators received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the Robertsdale County Coliseum on Friday, March 5. Among those receiving the vaccine was Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler, who drew applause from spectators when his shot was administered.

“As we vaccinate them, we are giving them the best chance to protect themselves,” said Allen Broome, PharmD, director of health system pharmacy for USA Health, who oversaw the event.

Judith Smith, who drives bus 1517 in Bay Minette, received her second dose. “I didn’t feel it,” Smith said following the injection.

In Mobile on Saturday, March 6, Mobile County Public School System staff arrived throughout the day at the civic center arena for a drive-through event offering second doses of the vaccine. All told, more than 2,100 injections were given.

More than 150 volunteers donated their time to ensure the most efficient and effective experience for those who received COVID-19 vaccines at the Saturday clinic. See the gallery of photos.

Sterling Spencer, a teacher at Grand Bay Middle School in south Mobile County, sat behind the wheel of his Prius on Saturday afternoon, waiting eagerly for his second shot. He filled out some paper work, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he smiled behind a paper mask.

He talked with a TV reporter before and after the injection, encouraging those who might be on the fence to do more research then get the vaccine. “I am showing my students that it is safe to take things like vaccines,” he said. “You should trust the science and you need to make sure you are making informed and smart decisions.”

Spencer said he was looking forward to returning to classes in person this week and sharing news of his second dose with students. A majority of his students are back in school, he said, while about one-third are still learning remotely.

People who want to receive a vaccination can register at https://c19vaccine.southalabama.edu.

USA Health says its online registry is a fast and efficient way for eligible people to arrange for appointments to be vaccinated at our vaccination center at the Mobile Civic Center. Currently, USA Health is providing approximately 1,000 vaccinations at the site each day, Monday through Friday.

Since Dec. 15, USA Health has administered more than 35,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine to those deemed eligible by the Alabama Department of Public Health.