Big turnout for Hancock College vaccination and booster clinic held for students, staff and public

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Allan Hancock College hosted a vaccination and booster clinic today for students and staff, as well as members of the public.

"I feel like I'm going to be a little more protected and I could go out with a little more confidence now," said student Joshua Martinez. It makes us really happy. Not just the student body, but I feel like the professors and the staff as well."

The four-hour clinic was held right in front of the Student Center and drew well more than 100 people.

"The turnout has been really great," said Chris McGuinness, Hancock College Public Affairs & Communications Analyst. "We've had a steady stream of people coming through as you can see behind me. It's been pretty full, so a lot of people are coming by to get the booster and the vaccine itself."

Students said having the clinic on campus was especially helpful and convenient given their busy schedules.

"It's pretty convenient, especially since I just had class and I can go straight from class to the clinic instead of having to drive somewhere to get it done," said student Reann Booker.

The clinic coincides with the start of spring semester, which began on Monday. The college has a number of COVID-19 protocols in place with the goal of maintaining the health of all those on campus and keeping in-person instruction intact.

"We know that our students, staff and our community want to have a safe campus and a safe community," said McGuinness. "So this is just another way for us to provide a free way, that they can come by, get this vaccinations and booster shots, and ensure when they're coming onto campus, and even when they're outside of campus, that they're being safe and healthy."

A handful of similar clinics were held by Hancock College during the fall semester. More could be held later on during the spring semester, which runs through May.

"If we do any additional clinics, we'll definitely be letting the community and our students know," said McGuinness. "We encourage our students to check their college emails regularly and our website regularly where we post all the most current vaccination and Covid information."

For more on Hancock College's COVID-19 resources and policies and protocols, click here.