COVID-19 Vaccine Sign | Photo by Diana Jaber | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) recently announced a plan to begin in-person classes and events during the summer and fall semesters. At this time, WSU will not require students to be vaccinated but highly encourages it.
Vaccine requirements
As of April 2, all three authorized coronavirus vaccines in the United States (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) are still under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
“Under an EUA, FDA may allow the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions when certain statutory criteria have been met, including that there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives,” a representative of the FDA said in an explanation of EUA vaccinations in November 2020.
Due to coronavirus vaccines being classified under EUA status, public universities cannot make them a requirement for students at this time.
“At this point, the State of Ohio has indicated that, as long as the vaccine is under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it cannot be required by state entities such as public universities. If that changes, we will re-evaluate,” Dean of Students Conduct and Chair of the WSU COVID-19 Task Force Chris Taylor said.
Taylor also says that an anonymous survey will be sent to the WSU community in the near future to help the university gather a better idea of the vaccination rate for students.
WSU fall plans
As of March 2021, WSU is aiming to offer 50-70% of available courses in person this fall.
“We are conforming to the plan laid out by the university and the college, but the plan is subject to change (i.e., switching to in-person instruction) based on the progress made on the vaccination front,” WSU English Professor and Chair Alpana Sharma said.
In addition, WSU announced that many restrictions placed on campus housing this academic year may be lifted.
“The university is planning for a larger percentage of our students to have access to in-person classes and increased residence hall and apartment options, without many of the limitations from the current year if the current COVID trends continue to improve,” WSU Residence Life and Housing said in a recent email update to students.
WSU offers weekly vaccination clinics with limited doses through Wright State Physicians.
To schedule a coronavirus vaccine, click here or call 937.245.7200.
