Getting College Students Vaccinated
- College students returning home after the semester ends should look to get their COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as possible.
- With the Spring semester, some college students may get their first dose of a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) while still on campus. But they may move home before receiving their second dose.
- But don’t worry. Pennsylvania is committed to making sure that everyone – including college students – can get fully vaccinated.
- So even if you get your first dose in a different county or state, you can get your second dose here. Just find a vaccine provider near you and let them know you are a college student and can’t go to the same place as your first dose because of logistical challenges.
- The success of our vaccine rollout gives us hope, and a path back to our lives.
Talking About Vaccines with Your Community
- As a trusted member of your community, you can have a huge impact and influence on others who may be hesitant about getting their COVID vaccine.
- Talking with your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues about the benefits of vaccines can help them make an informed decision. Make sure you have all the facts to share!
- All Pennsylvanians 16 years old and older are eligible to get vaccinated now.
- Many vaccine providers now take walk-ins and offer same-day appointments. o To find an appointment near you, use our vaccine provider map.
- If you need help using the map, or do not have internet access, call the PA Department of Health Hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
- Having a phone call, a Zoom, or socially distanced walk around your neighborhood are all great opportunities for starting the conversation. · Not sure where to start? Check out our How to Talk to Family & Friends About COVID-19 Vaccines flyer.
Vaccines Are Safe and Effective
- Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from getting sick with COVID-19. All three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
- In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
- FDA staff are career scientists and physicians, recognized around the world for their expertise in evaluating vaccines. These public health experts analyze data from vaccine makers and clinical trials to make scientific decisions.
All COVID-19 vaccines go through rigorous testing and evaluation before receiving Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- EUA is a type of emergency approval from the FDA. It is used to make vaccines and other medical measures available during public health emergencies.
- It is important to remember that in public health emergencies, the development process for medical testing, treatment, and vaccines must still get approval from the FDA. The FDA has very strict standards that require a combination of clinical, non-clinical, and manufacturing data to be evaluated as part of the EUA process.
- Even though the emergency process may be different than routine reviews, all vaccines must meet criteria regulated by law in order to receive EUA. That includes multiple clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine.
COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. And if you get sick, you could spread the disease to family, friends, and others around you.
- As more people get vaccinated, we will be on the way to being able to spend more time with friends and family.
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