An Instagram with a Mission: Helping Red Foxes Get Vaccinated

Marist College students were finally eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of April 6 . As great as that news was for many, booking appointments became increasingly difficult. One student took it upon herself to assist students in signing up for vaccine appointments.

Kaitlin Vezos ’22 created the Instagram account Marist Vaccines, where she regularly updates on vaccination appointment availability.

Source: Marist Vaccines Instagram

After helping her friends and family book appointments, Vezos quickly recognized the difficulties. “I started the page two weeks ago and so far 61 students filled out the form and a bunch of people are always asking me for links.” This form allows students to select what shot they want, how far they are willing to travel and insurance information so Vezos can find the best vaccine appointment for each individual student. 

So far she has been able to book over 50 appointments. The account consistently posts updates of vaccine availability all over the Hudson Valley and all they have to do is send the account a message to secure a spot.The account has received positive feedback, with many students reaching out saying how grateful they are that Vezos could get them an appointment. 

“The goal is to help as many people as I can to get vaccinated, because I know that is the only way things will improve on this campus...so I figured this is one way that I could help things move along in the right direction.”

A tip that Vezos has for securing a COVID-19 appointment, one that she uses regularly to book student appointments, is to figure out when pharmacies release their appointment times. In addition to that, she advises joining Facebook groups that post about available appointments due to cancelations and last-minute openings. Student Activities and college administrators have also sent students information about sites for vaccination off-campus, as well as on-campus clinics. 

When thinking about what needs to be done to have Marist students stay safe on campus, Vezos said that, “It is up to us...the students need to understand that their actions have consequences and the more people that get vaccinated, the better off things will be.”