Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership helps close the vaccine gap in Athens

As many communities across the nation struggle to combat the COVID-19 virus, the Athens Free Clinic – sponsored by the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership – has significantly closed the local vaccination gap.

Faculty and students working for the mobile clinic began administering vaccines in partnership with the Department of Public Health in February 2021. Remaining true to its core mission, the mobile clinic has focused on combating COVID-19 in the underserved communities of Athens-Clarke County—communities that may face health care barriers such as lack of insurance or transportation and may otherwise not have means to get a vaccine if not for the clinic.

As of Aug. 17, the mobile clinic has administered 3,700 vaccine shots to local residents.

“Since the medical partnership opened its doors in 2010, our mission has been to engage and serve the communities around us,” said Dr. Shelley Nuss, campus dean of the medical partnership. “When the vaccine became available, we knew we could expand our services to include giving the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Read the full story on UGA Today.