To safely hold face-to-face classes in the fall semester, several universities in Ohio have opened their own COVID-19 vaccination clinics for students and personnel.
Miami University announced on its website that it will roll out 3,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with the first scheduled to be administered on April 10, 11, 15, and 16.
The opportunity to register for the vaccine will first be given to students living on-campus, as well as to those who are already taking in-person or hybrid classes.
The school was also able to procure an additional 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will be allocated to teaching and non-teaching personnel.
“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have to manage the COVID-19 pandemic,” Miami Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellness Steve Large said. “We are full of both hope and gratitude to be able to provide these vaccines thanks to the work of Governor Mike DeWine and his office,” he added.
Meanwhile, Central State University said it will administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to its students at the school’s vaccination clinics next week.
School medical director Dr. Karen Mathews explained that despite the different brands and efficacy rates of the vaccines, the priority is to keep students safe and alive.
“Young people are less likely to get sick from the coronavirus, but they are significant carriers of the virus,” she said. “By offering one-dose clinics on campus, students who wish to be vaccinated will have an easily accessible option to get the vaccine with their peers.”
Additional Ohio schools that will host COVID-19 vaccination clinics this month include Ohio State University and the University of Dayton.
Although not required, students and personnel are encouraged to get vaccinated, especially since universities hope to return to in-person classes this fall.