St. Thomas Immunization Initiative. A student-run community action project

The objectives of the St Thomas Immunization Initiative are to provide a clinical community medicine experience for first- and second-year medical students, expose students to a community immunization program, teach students the principles of a community immunization program, and demonstrate a working relationship between the residents of an underserved community and medical students. From 1993 to 1995, first- and second-year students at Tulane University Medical School participated in class projects known as Shots for Tots and the St Thomas Immunization Initiative. Students received instruction about immunizations and administered vaccinations to children and adults in low-income neighborhoods. A total of 754 immunizations were administered to 331 children from 1993 to 1995. Participating students were surveyed and 82% of those who responded to a questionnaire felt that the project benefited the community it served while 79% felt that they personally benefitted from participating in the project. Given their experience, 96% of the students would be more likely to participate in a community development project in the future.