COVID Vaccinations at CFNA
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Vaccination
“Vaccine I take…no problem…no pain,” said Chiku, a Congolese grandmother, who regularly comes to the ESL program at the Peace Center. Previously, Chiku had routinely brushed off any suggestion that she take COVID shots due to her “body being strong.” Nevertheless, on Saturday when she came for her ESL class and saw that other New Americans, including several Congolese friends, had signed up for their COVID shots, she began to have second thoughts. After watching for over an hour, Chiku voluntarily signed up for hers as well. More importantly, she immediately phoned her granddaughter who immediately came to receive her shot also.
To the ever-present COVID induced fears and anxieties, “vaccine hesitancy” must also be added to the list. CFNA was therefore pleased to have been given the opportunity to provide vaccinations to those from within the New American community that had not yet received it. Partnering with the St. Louis University (SLU) School of Nursing, CFNA was able to take a first step in this effort. As a result, 23 New Americans from five birth nations were vaccinated. Heather and Deborah, registered nurses from SLU Nursing School were glad to help with all necessary arrangements. “It is our mission to help vaccinate as many people as we can in this fight against the pandemic, and we are glad to help your friends here as well.”
Recovery
As the world grapples with the challenges of this pandemic, we at CFNA are thankful for relationships and partnerships that enable us to serve our neighbors in this way. In particular, CFNA appreciates the efforts made by its Ministry Facilitators from Nepal, Congo, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, and Afghanistan, who encouraged their friends to take their COVID shots. Additionally, the service rendered by several volunteers who helped register and provide “after vaccination care” (serving water and snacks) to attendees, also deserve our thanks.
Thank you too, SLU School of Nursing and especially Heather and Deborah, for making all of this possible. More importantly, we thank God for His presence among us day by day, and to Him alone be the glory!
Registration
By Rev. Stanish Stanley, Ph.D.
Executive Director, CFNA, St. Louis
