School of Nursing partners with Erie County, BPS to bring vaccine clinics to students

Hundreds of Buffalo Public School students will benefit from back-to-school vaccine clinics, thanks to the School of Nursing, the Erie County Department of Health and Buffalo Public Schools.

The series of free vaccine clinics for BPS students will help them meet state immunization requirements and begin the school year healthy, protected and ready to learn, according to representatives of the partners, who announced the initiative at a press conference Monday at Buffalo Public School #45, International School.

“Our partnership with the Erie County Department of Health and Buffalo Public Schools is an opportunity for UB School of Nursing faculty and students to serve and advance the health of our community by protecting children from preventable illnesses such as measles, mumps and rubella,” said Annette Wysocki, dean of the School of Nursing. “These hands-on experiences strengthen our students’ clinical expertise while contributing to public health with high community impact.

“In today’s interconnected world, vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health measures that carries the highest rate of return on investment as a strategic tool to safeguard health locally and globally. We are proud to join with our community in helping children stay healthy so they can learn, grow and thrive.”

Wysocki joined officials from Erie County and the Buffalo schools in announcing the vaccine program. Also attending the announcement were Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz; Sharon Brown, BPS chief of student support services; Gail Burstein, Erie County health commissioner; and Mai Nguyen, BPS director of social, emotional and wellness services.

Wysocki said that besides the obvious health benefits to students and the Buffalo Public Schools, the program helps UB students by giving them the opportunity to build essential clinical and communication skills, work as part of an interprofessional team and see firsthand the role nurses play in keeping children healthy and in school. Students working under the supervision of faculty will help administer the vaccinations.

Before stepping into the clinic, students complete all required training in vaccine administration, patient communication and safety protocols, Wysocki said. Faculty will be on site to guide them through every step of the process.

“This is the kind of experience that builds confidence and readiness,” she said. “When our graduates enter the workforce, they’ve already provided care in a range of diverse community-based settings.”

The back-to-school vaccination clinic could lead the way to expanded partnerships to address other school-based health needs, Wysocki added.

“This model shows how we can bring health care directly to where it’s needed most,” she said. “It could potentially be adapted for screenings, education or other preventive services.

“Together, we’re making preventive care more accessible and preparing the next generation of nurses to lead in public health.”