By Josie Johnson, Staff writer

Despite some people’s fear of needles, getting an immunization can be necessary to avoid the flu virus.

Plainwell High School Staff and a few select students had the opportunity to get their flu shot at the high school this October.

Assistant Principal Debra Beals originally set it up as a courtesy to staff and their children, but it was later opened up to the students taking the new Emergency Medical Technician class.

“I wouldn’t have imagined getting a flu shot at school or even having the opportunity to take the EMT class,” said Aaron Rothenberg ‘17.

Getting the flu shot is one of the immunizations the students in the EMT class are required to have to complete their hospital and ambulance clinicals.

“I honestly haven’t had a shot in at least two years. It was a 4 on the 1-10 pain scale,” said Teigen Betts ‘17.

The clinic was headed by Emily Burley who graduated from Plainwell High School and then Ferris State University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. She currently works for Rite Aid.  Burley is Beals’ eldest daughter.

Burley is completely comfortable with administering the shot to her mom.

“I don’t think it will be weird for me to give her the flu shot, but she probably won’t sit still and try to talk to me.” said Burley

“The flu clinic was very successful. There were approximately 52 staff and family members that received the flu vaccine. Rite Aid was at the high school for two hours and they consider 20 vaccines per hour successful, so the clinic clearly exceeded their expectation of 40 vaccines. We will definitely offer next it year and may even conduct one at the elementary schools” said Beals.