Sharon Myers The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the need for more professionals who are authorized to administer vaccinations and other immunizations. In response, eleven graduates of the Davidson-Davie Community College are among the first community college students in the state to be certified as immunizing technicians. Through a partnership with the American Pharmacists Association, those certified at Davidson-Davie through its pharmacy technology program are helping improve the overall health of the population by positioning themselves to increase immunization rates. Support local journalism with a subscription to The Dispatch. Memorial Day Special $1 for 6 months. “One of the challenges in improving the health of our communities is in getting care to those who need it,” said Dr. LaQuoia Johnson, a college faculty member in pharmacy technology. “Thanks to this new opportunity on our campus, we already have 11 additional people who will be working in our local pharmacies and certified to give immunizations alongside the pharmacists. And we expect many more.”