by Zoe Stratos | opinions editor
April 7, 2022
On March 30, the university announced that eligible students will be able to receive their second Covid-19 vaccine booster on campus.
According to an email sent to students, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna boosters for those at higher risk of disease, hospitalization and death.
For now, individuals 50 years of age or older, or immunocompromised individuals who are four months past their first booster, may receive it. The university has not announced when the rest of the population can.
“Duquesne follows CDC guidelines in determining how we manage vaccinations,” said Gabe Welsch, vice president of marketing and communications. “Right now, we offer vaccines and first boosters to everyone. The guidance does not yet open up access to the second booster shot to the general population. We do not know when the CDC will change that guidance.
Individuals can choose to receive either shot, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, with clinics available on campus. According to the email, they will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 109 in the Student Union.
The boosters aren’t just available to students, but also eligible family members, according to the email, and community members can contact the Center for Pharmacy Care to schedule an individual appointment in the Muldoon Building.
According to Welsch, the university has administered the second booster to approximately 100 people, with staff easily managing the campus demand.
As for testing, clinics for asymptomatic individuals will continue sporadically.
“The clinics for asymptomatic students and employees are open at specific times in order to manage resources. Demand has been light,” Welsch said. “Per CDC guidelines, if you are vaccinated and exposed but asymptomatic, you do not need to get a test. Ninty percent of campus is vaccinated. Individuals can get home tests in the event they wish to obtain a test at a time when the clinics are not open.”
