YSU schedules on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations

Vaccines available to students, faculty, staff and their families

Youngstown State University, in partnership with the Youngstown City Health District, is offering two COVID-19 vaccination clinics beginning next week for YSU students, faculty and staff, along with family members.

The clinics are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, and Tuesday, April 6, in Beeghly Center on the YSU campus by appointment only. Reservations must be made online.

All YSU students, faculty and staff, along with their family members (aged 18+), regardless of their state of residency, are eligible for the vaccine on campus. Faculty, student and alumni volunteers from YSU’s Centofanti School of Nursing will administer the Moderna vaccines provided by the Youngstown City Health District. The clinics will also include the second dose of the vaccine four weeks after the first for those who attend the clinics on March 30 and April 6.

“As we continue the fight against the coronavirus, we are pleased to work with city health officials to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to the YSU community,” YSU President Jim Tressel said.

The university, which has significantly reduced the number of in-person, on-campus classes and activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced earlier this month intentions to return campus operations to near normal levels for Fall Semester 2021 starting in August. That will mean more face-to-face classes, more students in residence halls and more activities and events on campus.

“Providing the YSU campus access to vaccines is yet another step in preparing our students, employees and the university at large for the return to classes and activities in the Fall Semester,” Tressel said. “Getting vaccinated is necessary to reopen campus to the fullest and safest extent possible, ending the pandemic and returning to normal campus life.”

Julie Gentile, director of the YSU Office of Environmental Health and Occupational Safety, said the vaccine is safe, easy to get and is the best defense against the virus. She also said that following COVID-19 prevention practices remains important, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

“We encourage all students and employees to make an appointment and roll up their sleeves for the safety of everyone on campus and across the community,” she added.

Learn the facts about the vaccine at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/covid-19-vaccination-program/COVID-19-vaccine-myths-vs-facts/covid-19-vaccine-myths-vs-facts.