Kryston Salsman, APRN-CNP, has been present for nearly all of the 3,000 plus patient encounters, first volunteering to help with injections.
“I was also on standby in the event an emergent vaccine reaction occurred,” Salsman said. “Fortunately, no such reaction occurred and Utica Park Clinic Henryetta has an office manager who thinks about the logistics of such things.”
Salsman credits Sue Tourret, Utica Park Clinic office manager, for organizing the vaccine clinic in an efficient and well-received manner.
“Looking back, I don't think any of us expected the demand for vaccines to be so high early in the phasing,” Salsman said. “We learned quickly that the communities in and near Henryetta desired COVID-19 vaccinations.”
The vaccine clinic at one point consisted of eight employees who Salsman describes as solid.
“We talked to many people throughout the process and it was a nice way to see the community come together,” she said. “We heard people reminisce and share their personal stories related to COVID and how life works in the middle of a pandemic.”
Hillcrest Henryetta continues to offer both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines on Wednesdays, from 1-5 p.m. at Salsman’s office at Henryetta Primary Care Clinic located at 2405 W. Main St.
“Looking forward, J&J has issued new criteria that we will use to screen patients to determine which vaccine is most appropriate for each patient,” Salsman said.
To schedule an appointment, please call 918-650-1180.
“A common theme at each vaccine clinic has been gratitude,” Salsman said. “The patients were so grateful and appreciative, and that certainly made those long days’ worth it.”
Salsman also has clinic availability.
