On July 31, the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy held a Back-to-School vaccination event in collaboration with Walgreens, Pharmacists for Healthier Lives, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), Western Sky Community Care, the CDC, and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
During the event, the UNM Pharmacy Team vaccinated 40 patients—most of them children between 12 and 16 years old. The team also shared information about vaccines required for school and helped families access their immunization records through the New Mexico Immunization Information System (NMSIIS).
Families who received vaccines expressed gratitude for how simple and accessible the event made it to get protected against COVID-19. One young patient who was anxious about receiving the vaccine was comforted by pharmacy students using motivational interviewing techniques they had learned in their coursework.
Another patient was unsure about getting vaccinated because of an upcoming medical procedure. The pharmacy students provided clear information so the patient could make an informed decision to get vaccinated before the procedure.
Events like this are invaluable learning experiences for student pharmacists. They give students the chance to put classroom lessons into practice, improve their communication skills, and better understand their role in supporting community health. By helping children and families feel comfortable and informed, pharmacy students play a vital part in building trust and confidence in vaccines.
Participating in vaccination drives not only teaches pharmacy students how to administer vaccines safely but also helps them connect with their communities in meaningful ways. These experiences reinforce that pharmacists do much more than dispense medications—they also serve as educators, advocates, and trusted health care providers.
As efforts continue across the country to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and ensure children are up to date on routine immunizations, events like this are essential for protecting public health and strengthening community relationships.
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