Senator Blunt Visits SLU to Discuss COVID-19 Vaccines

by Carrie Bebermeyer on 04/08/2021

04/08/2021

On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt visited Saint Louis University to meet with University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. and other leaders to learn more about SLU's COVID-19 vaccine research and distribution efforts.

Senator Roy Blunt speaks to reporters next to SLU President Fred P. Pestello, public health expert Terri Rebmann, Ph.D. and vaccine researcher Sharon Frey, M.D.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt speaks to members of the media during his visit to SLU. He was joined by SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., special assistant to the president, and Sharon Frey, M.D., clinical director of SLU's Center for Vaccine Development. Photo by Jeff Fowler.

Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., special assistant to the president, and Sharon Frey, M.D., clinical director of SLU's Center for Vaccine Development joined Pestello at Simon Recreation Center where a vaccination clinic was being held.

The group updated the senator on vaccine research underway at SLU, as well as the latest progress in vaccinating the community against COVID-19.

Blunt also spoke with members of the media about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccination and urged all Americans to consider doing so.

"We know right now that these vaccines are effective," Blunt said. "My advice on the vaccine is [to] take it."

Frey, who led two Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials at SLU, echoed this sentiment.

"We have never seen such a phenomenal turnaround in the development of vaccines," Frey said. "I think it's important for everyone to step up to the plate and be vaccinated."

Saint Louis University [is] one of the leading universities in the country in looking at vaccines.
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt

One of only 10 NIH-designated Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEU) in the country, SLU has been on the front lines in the fight against pandemics and global health crises for more than three decades. The University first received federal funding for vaccine research in 1989.

Blunt highlighted SLU's contributions in developing effective COVID-19 vaccines, noting "Saint Louis University [is] one of the leading universities in the country in looking at vaccines."

During his time as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Service, Education and Related Agencies, Blunt led efforts to provide $47.6 billion for COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development and procurement, and $8.75 billion for vaccine distribution in the five bipartisan COVID-19 relief bills signed into law last year.