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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 25 PUTTING THE VISITOR FIRST As vaccine supply rolled into the community and new groups were added to the list of those eligible to receive the shots, MWHC's clinic ramped up capacity, vaccinating as many as 2,500 people in a day. This was made possible by the work of over 400 Community volunteers and nearly 800 MWHC employees, and detailed logistics planning that helped ensure every step of the process—from checking in and finding a parking spot to being allowed to wait in the comfort of your own car, away from the crowds—was safe and hassle-free for visitors. "It was not just a very smooth operation—it was a pleasant experience," says Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. Many in the community compared the clinic's efficiency to that of a Chick-fil-A drive-through operation. "The outpouring of generosity, of time, talent and treasure, from our community has been enormous," says Summer Hughes, chief of staff for MWHC. VACCINES OFFER HOPE As they waited for their turn to get the shot, many visitors to the vaccine clinic greeted old friends from behind their masks and talked about restaurant meals they were excited to enjoy again in-person. The clinic became a cheerful place where people could realistically start to think about life after the pandemic. "There was a lot of crying," says Kevin Hyde, who volunteered to help with clinic logistics. "People were so excited to be there." As she received the 50,000 shot administered at the clinic in February 2021, Stafford County teacher Cenia Bonilla embodied that excitement, declaring that vaccines are the most important way for people to protect themselves from the virus that causes COVID-19. "We are here to fight the enemy we can't see," she says. "We want to feel free again." ...over 400 community volunteers and nearly 800 MWHC employees, and detailed logistics planning ... helped ensure every step of the process... Sponsored Material THE EFFORT CONTINUES One year later, the FDA has granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for indi- viduals 16 and up and has granted emergency use authorization for the vaccine in individuals ages 5 years and older. The Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for individuals 18 years and older. All these vaccines represent the best tools available to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from the spread of COVID-19. Mary Washington Healthcare believes strongly that all eligible indi- viduals should receive a vaccine and has required COVID-19 vaccination of all of its employees. In November, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all adults receive a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines if it has been at least six months since they received their second dose. Whether you are seeking a booster, a first dose, or a vaccine for your child, you can now easily get a COVID-19 vac- cine at many locations throughout the Fredericksburg region. Visit vaccines.gov to find the vaccine clinic nearest to you. To learn more about COVID- 19 vaccines for children and adoles- cents, scan the QR code with your mobile phone.