TESTING, VACCINATIONS, and GENOME SEQUENCING LSU Health Shreveport supports community through
COVID-19 PREVENTION EFFORTS Community Testing and COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) continues COVID-19 testing, while simultaneously offering large scale vaccine clinics and leading Louisiana in sequencing the virus from positive test samples. Testing and vaccine sites are located throughout Northwest Louisiana—including Minden, Monroe, Ruston and rural outlying cities like Tallulah. A concerted effort has been made to deliver testing and vaccines regardless of the ability to register or travel far outside of one’s home as “access for all” has been a guiding principle for the delivery these services. The LSUHS COVID-19 Strike Team has demonstrated an abiding commitment working in cold, rain, bristling winds, and other inclement weather conditions. As of April 1, 2021, these Strike Teams have administered over 300,000 COVID-19 tests and over 52,000 vaccines since the Emerging Viral Threat lab opened on March 25, 2020. Testing and vaccine clinics are organized and directed by John Vanchiere, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics & Infectious Disease and Principal Investigator for the local Pfizer vaccine clinical trial. The efficiency of both the “in-car” testing and vaccinations have become a model now being used throughout the US. Over 100 individuals comprised of members of the Louisiana National Guard, active and retired physicians, nurses, and medical and nursing students have demonstrated what public service in the face of a pandemic can accomplish. LSU Health Shreveport has also been on the front line in delivery of virtual vaccine education forums working with churches, sororities, statewide universities and a variety of media outlets. These educational efforts will continue as we work to get every willing member of the north Louisiana community vaccinated.
7
INSIDE RESEARCH
