A Novel Solution to a Novel Pandemic

Inside Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Student Driven COVID-19 Vaccination Center

Abstract

This paper provides an outline for how Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) established a student-run coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination clinic. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), referred to as COVID-19, has ravaged the nation since January of 2020. One of the largest issues during the first months of the vaccine rollout was vaccine distribution to the qualified public. RowanSOM sought to address this obstacle in New Jersey (NJ) by implementing the state’s first medical student-led COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Through the establishment of a supply chain, vaccination area, vaccine storage area, and registration center, the medical school created a straightforward format for “mega sites”, interested medical schools and pop-up sites to follow to implement their own clinics to help to end the fight against COVID-19. RowanSOM closely collaborated with the NJ Department of Health, which has been fundamental in the implementation of the State’s vaccination plan through the creation and execution of this student-run vaccination clinic.