INDIANAPOLIS — The University of Indianapolis Tuesday opened the doors of the Schwitzer Student Center to the public for a free vaccine clinic.
UIndy partnered with the Indiana Immunization Coalition and the Central Indiana Area Health Care Education Center for the clinic, providing a variety of CDC recommended vaccines, including Hepatitis A and B, HPV, influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, pertussis, pneumonia and tetanus.
“Primary prevention is really important, and vaccines are really, really important for that,” said Toni Morris, DNP, RN, CNE, and associate professor at UIndy school of nursing. “Breaking down barriers, bringing access closer to the community and meeting people where they are.”
UIndy nursing students administered the vaccines, giving them an opportunity to practice skills outside of a classroom setting.
“Oftentimes we think about inside the walls of the hospital, but community health nursing is really important,” Morris said. “To meet people where they are, to help be an educator to our friends, family and the public, and it allows them to get a little more of those soft skills experience as well.”
“We need to take care of each other and just promote wellness,” said UIndy nursing student Nabeeha Ahan. “And I think it’s important as, you know these diseases are preventable. And taking a vaccine just might help you and your community.”
Ahan said she is passionate about helping people and is grateful for opportunities to serve the public.
“It’s very rewarding just being there for someone when they really need you and just providing them with the best care that they deserve,” Ahan said.
An additional clinic is scheduled for April 6, 2027, available for individuals who need to complete a multi-shot series of vaccinations. The free clinic previously served nearly 250 patients in September. UIndy anticipates hosting more free vaccination clinics in the future.
