Youngstown State University announces 2 COVID-19 vaccine clinics

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University is partnering with the Youngstown City Health District to offer two coronavirus vaccination clinics for students, faculty, staff and family members next week.

The clinics will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 30 and April 6 in Beeghly Center on the YSU campus by appointment only. Reservations must be made online.

Since the start of the spring semester, the university has been focused on coronavirus testing and vaccinations.

All YSU students, faculty and staff, along with their family members who are 18 and older, 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 appointments for the second dose of the vaccine four weeks later.

"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 in a news release.

The university significantly reduced the number of in-person, on-campus classes and activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic this school year.

Earlier this month, the university announced intentions to return campus operations to near-normal levels for the 2021 fall semester starting in August, which includes 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 in a news release. "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 in a news release that the vaccine is safe, easy to get and is the best defense against the virus.

She 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," Gentile said in a news release.

Gentile told Mahoning Matters Wednesday that YSU coronavirus cases have closely mirrored Mahoning County and surrounding counties.

"With the reduction in the number of cases in the community, we've also seen a reduction on campus," Gentile said.

Gentile said the university has been following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local guidelines for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. As guidelines change, the university will update programs and policies for the campus.

Gentile said YSU will give an initial push to get people their first and second dose before the end of the spring semester.

She said hopefully by summertime and the beginning of the fall semester, the vaccine becomes more available in local hospitals and pharmacies.

"If that's not the case, then we'll definitely work with the health department or other vendors and suppliers to try to offer vaccines throughout the summer and next semester," Gentile said.

Get facts about the vaccine at http://bit.ly/VaccineFACTS.

This story was originally published March 24, 2021 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Youngstown State University announces 2 COVID-19 vaccine clinics."