WASHINGTON – Young women and girls, and their families, will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns about the COVID-19 vaccinations during a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, January 26 at 6 p.m. The event is being hosted by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, DC Public Schools, and Howard Univeristy. The discussion will feature medical students and College of Medicine associate dean Dr. Lori Wilson.

The town hall will focus on COVID-19 vaccinations for young women and girls. It is one of multiple town hall events that the Howard University has participated in to share evidence-based information, personal anecdotes, provide clarity surrounding the vaccine, and dispel myths regarding its impact on reproductive health.

To join the town hall, go to tinyurl.com/HUVaxTownHall

Principal Shaunte Daniel of Excel Academy, DC Public Schools’ first all-girls school, said schools have a strong role to play in disseminating accurate health information about vaccination.

“Our school community is built on trust – for girls as well as for their families,” Daniel says. “I know they come here first when they have questions. Our role has been to provide them the information they need and ensure they feel empowered to make the decision that is best for their families.”

Throughout the pandemic, Daniel has focused on fostering a loving environment that prepares students for future success in school and in life. Excel Academy is located in Ward 8 and has a 100 percent African-American student body. Daniels said families are now leaning more and more toward becoming vaccinated.

“We are exceling together. Families have come in as a group, and they’ve all gotten shots; not only the student, but mom, dad, grandpa and whoever else is in the family.”

To provide additional opportunities for the community, Excel Academy recently served as a pop-up vaccination clinic for children and families throughout the district.

To learn more about opportunities to get vaccinated in D.C., visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

For media inquiries, contact Sholnn Freeman, sholnn.freeman@howard.edu