Advancing Vaccine Equity: In-School Clinics Support Access for School-Age Youth

Bertie County is a mostly rural county located within the Inner Banks region of North Carolina. One of the oldest and largest counties in the state, Bertie has a strong community of dedicated nurses and health professionals who are determined to break down barriers to ensure students have adequate access to immunizations. 

In 2023, Healthier Generation convened a Childhood Vaccine Partnership Group with local school districts, health departments, and community organizations to address barriers to access and uptake. As part of this effort, Healthier Generation supported in-school vaccine clinics held by Albemarle Regional Health Services and Bertie County Schools (BCS) to offer required and recommended vaccines to students during the school day. 

“In-school vaccine clinics are vital for increasing accessibility to vaccines for students. Many families face barriers like transportation issues or limited access to healthcare facilities, which can delay or prevent students from receiving essential vaccinations,” said Julie Hill, lead school nurse with BCS. “By hosting clinics on campus, we make it easier for students to get vaccinated without disrupting their parents’ work schedules.” 

The first in-school clinic was held in May 2023 at Bertie Middle School. Marlee Sloan, athletics director with BCS, played an integral role in helping to transport students from the high school to middle school so they could also benefit from the clinic. 

“For student-athletes, maintaining health and wellness is crucial, not only for their safety but also for team stability and success. By supporting in-school vaccine clinics, we ensure that our students remain protected against preventable illnesses, which reduces the chances of outbreaks that could affect attendance, practices, and games,” said Marlee. “In-school access ensures vaccines are convenient, helping students stay healthy and keeping our athletic programs running smoothly.”

During the first clinic, 12 students were vaccinated with required school vaccines, with some students receiving recommended vaccines such as HPV as well. The success of this effort led to two additional clinics.

“Collaborating with partners like Healthier Generation and the Vaccine Partnership Group allows us to combine resources, knowledge, and outreach efforts to support our students' health," said Julie. “It also enhances our capacity to run clinics efficiently, ensuring more students receive vaccinations and stay protected, which contributes to a safer school environment.”

"This partnership helps us provide families with trusted information, addressing vaccine hesitancy through education and giving them direct access to vaccination resources." - Julie Hill

“I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm and participation we’ve seen from families, students, and community partners alike. The success of our in-school vaccine clinics shows that when we make health services accessible and convenient, our community responds positively,” said Marlee. “These efforts give us confidence that we can continue to safeguard our students' health, which in turn strengthens our athletic programs and enhances our school community as a whole.”

Visit our Vaccine Resource Hub to learn more about how you can help protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.