Members of the University's American Medical Student Association went into South Philadelphia on Saturday to help administer the hepatitis B immunization to Southeast Asian children. As part of AMSA's national project promoting childhood immunization, 35 volunteers went to the United Community Center to assist the Philadelphia Department of Health. "The Department of Health was impressed with our group," said AMSA President Anu Sharma, a post-baccalaureate student. Students participated by advertising the immunization to area children, educating their families about the hepatitis B vaccine and registering the children. AMSA members also provided refreshments and entertainment. "It was cool to help out by painting the kids' hands and faces because it took some pressure off of them receiving shots," College junior Jeanine Makara said. Because of the language barrier, many students had to work with translators. "This whole program really gave students exposure to working with children of another culture in a community outreach program," Sharma said. "It worked out really well and it was a wonderful opportunity for all involved. The University's AMSA chapter is also working on initiating an "Adopt-A-Kid" program to further the immunization project.
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