School of Physician Assistant Studies Delivers Free Flu Shots to Community During PA Week

School of Physician Assistant Studies Delivers Free Flu Shots to Community During PA Week

Oct 7, 2020

Students from the Touro University Nevada School of Physician Assistant Studies provided free flu shots to Southern Nevada community members on Oct. 6-7 during PA Week, an homage to their profession.

In partnership with the City of Henderson and the Southern Nevada Health District, Touro’s PA students spent two days giving free flu shots at the Heritage Senior Center in Henderson.

“We want to show everyone how important it is to get their flu shot,” said Justin Madriaga, President of the PA Class of 2020. “Especially during this pandemic, it is beneficial to get your flu shot, so you are protected from the flu. We believe this will help save lives.”

In addition to providing free flu shots, Touro’s PA students continue to spend multiple days a week delivering free primary care services on one of the university’s mobile healthcare clinics, as well as the Touro-Stallman Clinic inside The Shade Tree. Standard operations were canceled for months as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on but have since resumed. Students are equipped with masks and full personal protective equipment when providing care to the Las Vegas Valley’s homeless populations.

PA Week celebrates the PA profession, which was established in the mid-1960s by Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr., according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. PA Week is held every year from Oct. 6-12.  

Michael O’Reilly, President of the PA Class of 2021, said PA Week is important because it helps inform the public about the profession. He added that PA Week is even more prevalent this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the evolving nature of our medical system, PAs have become essential in their ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a large number of medical conditions. PAs have relieved the pressure on overworked physicians in metropolitan areas and have filled the void of medical providers in rural areas. A PA’s versatility, knowledge, and collaborative skills allow them to be successful in a variety of specialties and also switch between specialties as the needs of the community change,” O‘Reilly said. “PA Week is especially important this year, as it is during a global pandemic. PAs everywhere have been stepping up and putting themselves on the front lines to keep our communities safe. During this time, PAs have shown the flexibility, adaptability, and collaborative ability that is essential to healthcare.”