Vets get a shot in the arm for Veterans Day

Nov. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- LINFIELD COLLEGE

The day before Veterans Day, Linfield students helped the Portland VA Medical Center honor vets — many struggling with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness and aging — by offering free flu vaccinations.

“It’s kind of scary,” said nursing student Jenny So, whose only immunizations so far have been on classroom mannequins. “This is our first time.”

“The students are all a little nervous with the first shot, but they quickly gain their confidence,” said adjunct nursing instructor Joyce Lear. “They are thoughtful and really motivated to help people.”

Throughout the semester, students and faculty volunteer at vaccination clinics both in class and on weekends, outside of class time, offering vaccinations to some of Portland’s most vulnerable populations: the homeless, impoverished and elderly.

The Portland VA Medical Center provides a broad array of health care services, including treatment for PTSD and infectious diseases, eye and oral care, and hospice services.

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