PAGB Holds Clinic for Administering the Second Covid-19 Dose
By Tahir Ali
Photos courtesy Tahir Ali, Saima Chaudhry, and Fauzia Sayeed
Sharon, MA : After the successful COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic held on May 22 at the Islamic Center of New England, Sharon (ICNE) - spearheaded by Shabana Chaudhry, Vice President of PAGB - the second dose COVID vaccine clinic held on June 12 was held equally effectively, if not better. It was evident that PAGB's team of young volunteers had picked up exactly where they had left off on May 22nd.
Amir Rashid, President of ICNE Sharon, the venue of the PAGB Vaccine Clinic, was pleased to witness first hand, the event in smooth operation, almost like clockwork. The ICNE leadership took pride in the fact that not only did they provide the facility, many of their young members also volunteered to help facilitate the entire process. Amir Rashid went on to say that although he initially wanted to have the vaccination only for their own community "but we opened it for the extended Community in surrounding towns and schools as an outreach project."
Siraj Khan, President of PAGB, expressed his gratitude to Amir Rashid and acknowledged the zeal and spirit of the ICNE team in working closely with the PAGB team. Vice President PAGB Shabana Chaudhry had arranged with ICNE to host an appreciation lunch for the entire team of doctors, nurses and especially the young volunteers who put their heart and soul to extend their help.
Siraj Khan, Shehla Gull and Shabana Chaudhry awarded Certificates of Appreciation to all volunteers, the young and the young-at-heart.
Shabana wanted to combat COVID-19 and make a difference, and she and the PAGB team did just that.
The success of the event can be ascertained from the comments made by some of the parents who accompanied their children coming to get their second vaccine shot. Shabana's daughter; Samia Ali, and PAGB's Director of PR; Tahir Ali talked to some of the parents.
Mary Alice Nathan RN (seen in photo with Shabana) from Sharon Public Schools felt honored to be part of this project. She praised the efforts made by Shabana and the PAGB team in sending out a press release to all schools and newspapers in a timely manner to get the word out. "Super good idea. I got interested to help. And it's so nice to see the kids from the school, and they were happy to see a familiar face. This is so well organized. Thank you for making me a part of this campaign."
Kori Strunk summed up her visit of both dose 1 and dose 2 days quite eloquently. "The experience a few weeks ago and today was excellent. The people who were working and volunteering were heartwarming and made what be a scary experience for the younger kids a great one. Everyone was so kind and knowledgeable."
Katy Roca praised the efforts of the Sharon Islamic Center: "The Sharon Mosque has provided an exceptional service by providing Covid vaccination to the Sharon Community and others. We were made to feel welcome by everyone and are so grateful for their help in vaccinating our children."
Anirud Sinha and his son Anish were informed by their school in Stoughton. The Sinhas reported with three 'Greats' - " great job, great communication and great coordination entire all around."
Kevin Izzo, resident of Sharon seen with his son Yaming in a photo, received an email from Sharon High School. It was very easy and effortless, both times. It was so easy to get my son here because it's not too far from where I live. Yaming, by his own submission, "there was no pain in the first shot."
"Wonderful experience," said Kokab Naz. Her friend Semah Manzoor chimed in: "Well managed."
Sree Devi, accompanied her son Sriram, from Stoughton. Sriram, found it "nice and convenient. Our Principal emailed the students to sign up within a day. And we did."
Neil, son of a popular singer in the Indian community Meenakshi Kulshreshtha, who has shared the stage with Siraj Khan in Boston and other US cities for many years, was pleased (and relieved) to see her son close the loop and become fully vaccinated.
Jeniya Doljenkova's daughter Marsha of Sharon High school who wants to be Psychologist, fully agreed with her mother that they were very satisfied and called their experience as "quick and safe"
Samyah (shown taking a shot in a photo), came from Stoughton High School, with her mother Myriam Nicolas. "We loved it, and love this place of worship. Some of our friends come here to pray. I am trying to send more people here."
Sareh Cei and her son Jason (seen in photo), signed up at the Sharon High School. Sareh and Jason summed their experience nicely in a few words: "The place is nice, the process was so easy, people are very friendly."
"A little planning goes a long way. With the State directives coming into effect, allowing children in the age group 12 - 15 to receive Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts from May 13, PAGB's clinic on May 22nd was perfectly timed for the first shot in the arm. June 12th followed naturally, with people knowing where to go and follow the process precisely as they did for the first dose. So, what we had accomplished in 8 hours for the Dose #1, was completed in half the time with Dose #2. The entire process from A to Z was efficiently conducted and controlled. PAGB demonstrated its spirit and tradition of community outreach of 30+ years and this "Stop the Spread' initiative was extremely gratifying for everyone involved", commented Siraj Khan, on signing off after being the first person to open the doors at the ICNE facility early morning to start, what ended up to be, a highly fulfilling day.
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