Elon University will begin administering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to students, faculty and staff on campus this Saturday by appointment, according to an email sent to those eligible to receive the vaccine. Any faculty and staff working in person or students with a qualifying medical condition have been notified if they are eligible to sign up for the vaccine.
Students were contacted based on documented medical conditions they submitted to the university. Priority is given to those in Group 4 which includes those aged 16-64 with one or more high-risk medical conditions, such as cancer, heart conditions and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Groups 1-3 are also eligible at this time, which includes health care workers, student workers, faculty, staff, older adults over age 65, frontline essential workers and adults at higher risk for exposure.
Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Jana Lynn Patterson said in an email to those who are eligible that it is important that vaccines are first distributed to those on campus who are at higher risk for complications if they contract the virus.
“While we will try to serve everyone who wants a vaccine, please understand this initial supply of doses on campus is limited,” Patterson wrote. “We continue to work with health officials so that additional supplies will be available on campus in the future.”
Appointments are required for those wanting to receive a vaccine on campus. The appointment portals are different depending on which vaccine people choose to sign up for. Those who receive the Pfizer vaccine will be able to receive their second dose on campus after the 21 day period.
Those who make an appointment are required to arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointment time. If all appointments are taken by the time someone signs up, there will be a waitlist option available. In order to be placed on the waitlist, students have to contact Campus Recreation and Wellness by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26.
Any students not qualified to receive a vaccine on Saturday or Monday will be eligible to receive a vaccine beginning April 7 under Group 4b. It is not yet known if vaccines will be available on campus at that time, but any student living in dormitories or apartment complexes can get a vaccine starting on that date.