This week, the University of North Georgia will host four community town halls to provide information and answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
The events will take place on UNG's Blue Ridge, Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses and they will be accessible online via Zoom.
"UNG Community Conversations: Truths About Vaccines" will feature UNG biology faculty members who will discuss the science behind the vaccines. They will discuss how vaccines work, how to know what COVID-19 vaccines are safe and what herd immunity means.
Carly Redding, director of academic engagement with UNG, said the goal is to increase awareness about specifically COVID-19 vaccines, but also provide more generalized information about vaccines.
"We also want to provide a place and a space where people feel comfortable asking questions," Redding said. "That's really one of the more important aspects of what we're doing."
Admittance will be limited to allow for social distancing and face masks are required inside UNG buildings and facilities.
According to a release from the university, the events are set for:
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 19: Dr. Amy Anderson, UNG biology lecturer, Hoag Student Center Room 342 on the Dahlonega Campus. Up to 42 people can take part in person due to social distancing. Register via Zoom to attend this meeting online.
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 20: Dr. Amy Anderson, Blue Ridge Campus Learning Commons Room 101. Up to 25 people can take part in person. Register via Zoom to attend this meeting online.
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Spanish) and 6:30-7:30 p.m. (English) April 22: Dr. Miriam Segura-Totten, professor of biology and Harry B. Forester Eminent Scholars Chair at UNG, Professional Continuing Education & Performing Arts Building Room 108 on the Gainesville Campus. Up to 50 people can take part in person. Register via Zoom to attend these meetings online.
Redding said she hopes to leave any kind of "politics" behind and keep the sessions purely informational.
"We really would like for this to be just information provided," Redding said. "That's part of the reason we've asked a few biologists to speak. We want just the scientific information and to be able to get that out to the community."
The town halls, which are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Public Education Campaign, come shortly after UNG opened a mass vaccination site in Gainesville.
