Vaccinations: A Double-Edged Sword
The Student Wellness Center requires students to fill out a health form before coming in for in-person visits.
February 9, 2020
While vaccinations are crucial in supporting the health and well-being of the Central Connecticut community, concerns of vaccination accessibility for some students has been a challenge for the university, presenting a double-edged sword.
Both full and part-time matriculated students at the university are required to submit a health services form with proof of vaccinations by the Connecticut General Statute and CCSU.
It is each student’s responsibility to provide the university with proof of immunity to Measles, Rubella, Mumps and Varicella (chicken pox). Additionally, no student is allowed to move into campus housing without proof of the Meningococcal A,C, Y, W-135 vaccination.
The forms must be submitted to Student Wellness Services – University Health Services no later than Aug. 15 for the fall semester and Dec. 15 for the spring semester.
It is stated on the university’s health services form, “failure to submit the required form will result in a health hold on your student account.”
The university acknowledges that it is not easy for all students to complete these forms. In an effort to remove one of the barriers of students achieving their best in the classroom, two free vaccination clinics were offered to students this semester.
The vaccinations were administered by the Student Wellness staff on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30 and students were only required to show their Blue Chip card.
“We are making it easier for you to get the immunizations required by state law to be enrolled as a full- or part-time student at CCSU,” President Dr. Zulma Toro stated in a public email to students.
This free vaccination clinic was the first in recent history for CCSU, though many, including CCSU junior Amanda Caron, hope it is not the last.
“There are already so many things we have to worry about and balance as students that I think it’s awesome that CCSU is helping to ease our health concerns,” Caron said.
While vaccination requirements and accessibility continue to be a controversial topic, one can only hope that college campuses will continue to strive to provide more opportunities for students to get the vaccinations they need.
For more information, or to book an appointment, students can visit Student Wellness Services in Willard-DiLoreto Hall, W101.
