Stories

Would you like to share your vaccine story with others? The Michigan Vaccine Project (MVP) will feature personal video stories about the process individuals went through when deciding to vaccinate, as well as stories about the risks experienced by those who chose not to vaccinate. If you are a Michigander who would like to tell your vaccine story, please contact Jim Monahan (monaha42@msu.edu) the MVP health communications manager. 

Video Stories

  • Randy Rice: One farmer's vaccine story

    Published on April 10, 2024

    Randy Rice, owner of Rice Centennial Farm in Benzie County Michigan, reflects on his decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and what vaccination has meant to his business and community.

  • My Nursing Story: Kevin Watkins

    Published on January 17, 2024

    Kevin Watkins, RN, BSN, and Instructor of Nursing at St. Clair Community College in Port Huron, MI, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • My vaccine story: Jim Maturen

    Published on December 21, 2023

    Retired Michigan State Trooper, avid hunter and conservationist, Jim Maturen, reflects on his experience being hospitalized for COVID-19 and getting vaccinated to prevent a reoccurence.

  • Vaccine Outreach on Beaver Island

    Published on July 10, 2023

    Follow along with MSU Extension program instructor Katie Parr as she travels to Beaver Island to provide vaccine education to a group of older adults. Along the way Katie learns about the unique healthcare challenges faced by residents on the rural island.

  • Jase's Story

    Published on December 20, 2022

    Abby Amesbury, a Boyne City mother, shares her story about how influenza affected her son Jase. Abby is sharing their journey in hopes of showing others the dangers of the flu and the importance of vaccination.

  • My nursing story: Valerie Pfander

    Published on November 1, 2022

    Valerie Pfander is a doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialist at Munson Healthcare in Traverse City. After the COVID-19 vaccine was released, Valerie and her team began to see less COVID-19 related hospitalizations, less cases of severe illness, and less deaths.

  • My nursing story: Susan Pell

    Published on November 1, 2022

    Susan Pell is a registered nurse at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Newaygo County, MI. Sue has worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat members of her community.

  • My nursing story: Alexis Skuras

    Published on November 1, 2022

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexis Skuras worked on multiple COVID units in Metro Detroit, and also worked as a teaching assistant and clinical instructor for Michigan State University nursing students.

  • High School Quarterback Chooses COVID-19 Vaccination

    Published on October 12, 2022

    North Muskegon High School quarterback James Young wants to do everything he can to put his team in a position to be successful. James chose to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to keep him and his teammates healthy and ready for gameday. Talk to your family and doctor to learn if the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you.

  • Michigan Community Pharmacist Provides Vaccine Education

    Published on September 22, 2022

    When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Arun Tandon, a pharmacist in Portage, MI, wanted to make sure his community was safe and protected. As a medical professional, Arun knew that the COVID-19 vaccine was a powerful tool for promoting the health of his community. If you have questions about vaccination, consider speaking with a local pharmacist like Arun to learn if vaccination is right for you.

Podcast Stories