Semya Thompson

Semya Thompson is a PGY1 community-based pharmacy resident with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Campus Health in Chapel Hill, NC.

“This project focuses on improving vaccination rates among college students with asthma and diabetes through pharmacist-led interventions. By integrating vaccination reminders into pharmacy workflow and offering personalized care, we aim to ensure that these at-risk students receive critical vaccines to protect against serious respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia.

The motivation of this project stems from the observed decline in vaccination rates among college students. This population faces an increased risk of illness due to their close-contact living environments. This concern is particularly significant for students with asthma and diabetes, who are more vulnerable to severe respiratory complications. Vaccines play a critical role in preventing illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, offering essential protection for these at-risk individuals.

I am deeply grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Incentive Grant. What excites me the most about this project is the opportunity to educate young adults on the importance of vaccinations in preventing serious respiratory illnesses, empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being. I look forward to making a meaningful impact on this population through increased awareness and accessibility to vaccines.”