Hundreds of employees and their family members came back to OCCC’s main campus to get a shot in the arm of the Moderna COVID vaccine as the college hosted a vaccination POD just for them.

The distribution of the two-shot vaccine started at 8 a.m. and was scheduled to end at 6 p.m.

Jeff Sughru Human Resources Consultant said about 500 people had signed up for the jab.

Liz Botello, Human Resources Consultant, kindly greet employees as she and Regina Switzer, Vice President for Human Resources checked them in for their shots after having their temperatures taken.

As they arrived to the College Union to get their first doses, employees expressed happiness that they and two of their immediate family members could get the shot. 

Some said they were nervous because they had heard stories about some of the potential side effects.

Greg Daubenspeck, professor of English and film studies, was one of  the early arrivers who rolled up his sleeve to get the poke.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine at OCCC. From start to finish, the process was efficient and well organized,” he said.

All employees were told about the on-campus distribution earlier this month  when Vice President for Academic Affairs Vincent Bridges sent an email to let them know where to sign up online.

The email also said that before going to their appointments, vaccine recipients also had to print and fill out a consent form and a pre-vaccination checklist. 

The second dose of the Moderna vaccine is set for April 23.