The COVID-19 vaccine offers the surest way to protect against severe illness from COVID-19, while reducing the risk of community spread. The vaccine is now widely available, and Oglethorpe University is providing additional access to anyone seeking a COVID-19 vaccine by hosting two clinics on campus.

These free, walk-up vaccination clinics are offered in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Health. No appointment, identification, proof of citizenship or health insurance are needed, and the clinics are open to the entire community.

The Pfizer vaccine will be administered in the Traer Hall parking lot facing the Turner Lynch Campus Center on the following dates:

• Wednesday, August 25, 2021 – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 22, 2021 – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Providing equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is an important step in ending the pandemic. Associate Director of Student Wellness Natasha Byrd hopes that anyone who has yet to be fully vaccinated will take advantage of these opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing campus community care in action,” said Byrd. “The COVID-19 vaccine is effective, and it not only helps those receiving the vaccine, but also helps immunocompromised individuals who are unable to be vaccinated at this time.”

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Global Engagement Marisa Atencio highlighted the importance of vaccine access, specifically for international students at Oglethorpe.

“We’re all ready for the pandemic to end,” said Atencio. “By offering these vaccine clinics on campus, we’re helping international students and others who have not had an opportunity to access the COVID-19 vaccine. This is also a chance for individuals in the community to get vaccinated in an environment they are comfortable in, while preparing the university for a return to campus activities.”

The Pfizer vaccine is available for individuals 12 years of age and older. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone ages 12-17. For more information or questions on the upcoming clinics, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, the university issued a policy that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated prior to returning to campus this fall, providing the opportunity to come back together as a community. Individuals have been able to apply for an exemption as a medical or religious accommodation.