COVID-19 Vaccines: What you need to know

Experts from Purdue University and Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette presented an overview of COVID-19 vaccines and addressed questions about the vaccines during a free webinar held on April 1, 2021. The event was coordinated by Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences. Read the press release here.

A recording of the webinar is available on Purdue Extension YouTube channel. 

Webinar Panel of Healthcare Experts 

Eric Palmer, clinical assistant professor, Purdue University School of Nursing

Eric Palmer is a clinical assistant professor with the Purdue University School of Nursing, where he teaches community and public health nursing. He has a dual master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in nursing and health administration. He obtained his baccalaureate in nursing from Morningside College. He is currently working on his PhD at Purdue University with a focus on disaster nursing and the effects of disasters on those who chose to age in place.

Mr. Palmer retired from the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps in 2013 after 22 years of service. He has practiced nursing in many healthcare settings clinically and administratively in major medical centers, critical access hospitals, outpatient primary care clinics and patient-centered medical homes. During his time in the Navy, he gained experience in disasters and discovered his desire to advance knowledge in disaster mitigation and response.

He is nationally certified as a healthcare disaster professional and is serving as the director of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) for Tippecanoe County. During the past year, Eric has been frequently consulted on many matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic response and considers it a privilege to be able to continue to serve organizations and communities during times of crisis.

Nicole Noel, director, Purdue University Pharmacy; clinical assistant professor, College of Pharmacy 

Dr. Nicole Noel is a community pharmacist and the director of the Purdue University Pharmacy. Upon graduating from Purdue University’s College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2008, she began her career in community pharmacy with Walgreens. From 2008-2012, Dr. Noel served as a pharmacy manager and market immunization trainer for Walgreens in both the Greenville, South Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana, markets. 

Dr. Noel returned to her alma mater in 2012 as the clinical pharmacist for the medication therapy management program at the newly formed Center for Health Living located on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. In July 2013, she transitioned to her current role of director for Purdue University Pharmacy.  Dr. Noel has led the transformation of the pharmacy from a traditional dispensing pharmacy to its current operations which include various clinical services, including immunizations, contraceptive prescribing services, and smoking and vaping cessation services. Dr. Noel and her team have been instrumental in the Protect Purdue efforts. She led the initial efforts of COVID-19 testing in June 2020, provided leadership for planning and implementation for the mass flu clinics held in fall 2020, and is now assisting with preparation for the on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations later this spring. 

In addition to her service at Purdue, Dr. Noel has served as the chairperson for the Tippecanoe County Board of Health since 2018. In December 2020, she earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the Miller College of Business at Ball State University.

Siena Cooper, MD candidate at Indiana University School of Medicine — West Lafayette and Purdue College of Pharmacy alumna

Siena Cooper is an MD candidate at the IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette Campus. She completed her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy while also taking courses in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. While at Purdue, she was competitively involved in the Purdue Western Equestrian Team and served as its team captain in 2020.  She has a lifelong passion for infectious diseases and was very involved in microbiological and pharmacological research projects with the College of Science and College of Pharmacy. In January 2021, she was made aware that many healthcare workers at a veteran’s facility near and dear to her heart were apprehensive about receiving the COVID-19 vaccinations. With the support her mentor, Dr. Greg Loomis, she designed curriculum including an interactive presentation to bring the best COVID-19 vaccine information to this important group of caregivers and their residents. This small project inspired the collaborative effort between the IU School of Medicine and Purdue University to provide access to accurate, up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccines to all Indiana residents.

Dr. Greg Loomis, assistant professor of neurosurgery for the Indiana University School of Medicine — West Lafayette

Dr. Loomis received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York and completed his residency training in neurological surgery at Albany Medical Center and Veteran’s Hospital. He practiced for 30 years in Evansville, Indiana, and has since retired from surgery. Dr. Loomis moved to West Lafayette with his wife, Dr. Ann Loomis, three years ago. Ann is a nursing professor at the Purdue University School of Nursing and Greg is a visiting assistant professor of clinical neurological surgery for the Indiana University School of Medicine at West Lafayette.

Submit Your Questions

Do you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines that you would like our panelist to address? Please submit your questions for the panel by March 19.

Resources 

Information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for Indiana residents.

Find a vaccination site in Indiana.