Fall 2021 semester will be here before we know it and returning to campus during this time comes with mandatory measures. President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. has followed in the footsteps of other universities in NJ, requiring that students coming back to campus in the fall must be vaccinated. With this announcement brings a lot of questions about the COVID 19 vaccine and the options available.
As far as vaccination appointments go, Kean has arranged for vaccination appointments to be held in Downs Hall on the main campus. Appointments are first come, first served and students must register on the #VaxUpKean website. Additionally, those who choose can find their own place to make a vaccination appointment that is closer to home.
All students, even online and those requesting an exemption, are required to submit a COVID-19 vaccine form. It is strongly encouraged to submit forms as soon as possible, the deadline to submit is August 1. The following options are how students can submit their form:
Submit Vaccination Record: Once students receive their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one dose of Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine, they should submit their vaccine form as soon as possible. Students can scan/take a picture of their vaccine documents on their smartphone and follow the submission instructions on the portal.
Request a Kean Online Waver: If a Kean Online student, there is a form to request a waiver for submitting vaccination documentation that must be completed. For these students, there is no need to submit vaccination records, unless they plan to come to campus for any reason. Students status as a Kean Online student will be verified by the Office of Registrar.
Request a Medical or Religious Exemption: Students must submit documentation from a healthcare provider detailing the reasons for their exemption based on the CDC guidelines. For religious reasons, students must submit a signed statement explaining how the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with their bona fide religious beliefs. A general philosophical or moral objection is NOT sufficient for an exemption on religious grounds. As an unvaccinated individual one may be subject to additional testing, screening requirements or other protocols put in place by the university to mitigate the spread of COVID 19 on campus.
Provided on the #VaxUpKean website are the benefits of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are an important tool in helping to stop the COVID-19 pandemic because they help individuals from getting sick but also help protect people around them. Giving everyone a peace of mind but also helping them feel comfortable to socialize with friends and family.
Director of Student Health Services, Robin Mansfield explained, “The COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved for emergency use in the United States are safe and effective. Over 300 million doses have been given and the FDA continues to monitor for safety and effectiveness. Typical side effects range from soreness at the injection site to flu like symptoms that last 24-48 hours. Serious side effects are rare, but to make an informed decision individuals should be aware that they exist. All the providers at Student Health Services have been vaccinated and we are available to talk with any student who is struggling with their decision about whether or not to get vaccinated. Students can also talk with their primary care provider. For more information about vaccine safety and side effects visit the CDC website”.
On the website, Kean addresses vaccine concerns and has a small Myths v.s. Facts section near the bottom where students can have their most asked questions confirmed or debunked.
If students have additional questions about how to submit their COVID-19 vaccine form, they can contact Student Health Services at studenthealthservices@kean.edu or by phone at (908) 737-4880.
Stay Healthy Cougars!
