Central Connecticut State University announced last week that all students enrolled at the university are eligible to receive vaccinations from the school.

This comes shortly after Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont provided updates on the state’s coronavirus response efforts and its plans to accelerate its vaccine program even further by allowing all adults in Connecticut over the age of 16 to schedule a vaccination appointment beginning April 1, 2021. 

In an email issued to CCSU students, President Zulma R. Toro said that“before the semester ends, CCSU will hold an on-campus COVID vaccination clinic for students.” The vaccine available to students will be the Johnson & Johnson variation, per Lamont’s orders. 

Central freshman and music performance major Madison Dunn said she is pleased with Governor Lamont’s decision to offer this option for students at colleges and universities in the state.

“I am thinking about getting the vaccine provided at Central so that I feel comfortable going back home and going back to work,” Dunn said. 

Dunn was not surprised to learn of this news as Central has already demonstrated their commitment to the health and safety of the community.

“They already do COVID testing and have us fill out a daily symptoms tracker,” Dunn said. “Providing the vaccine will help them make campus a lot safer, as they are doing now.”

CCSU junior Rachel Nardello, she said she isn’t happy that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the only one being offered on campus. She said she plans to get the vaccine elsewhere because of this.

Though the previous eligibility date for all individuals in the state over the age of 16 was set for April 5, Connecticut’s vaccine providers have been getting doses out at an efficient speed thus far, allowing for an earlier date.

Connecticut currently ranks second in the nation in percentage of population that has received at least one dose of the vaccination.

“Connecticut’s healthcare providers have been doing a tremendous job getting the vaccine to our residents, and the reason why our state is among the most vaccinated in the country is because of the remarkable work they have been doing,” Governor Lamont said. “I urge everyone to please be patient and check back as new appointments are being added every day. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden administration, the number of doses being delivered to Connecticut is significantly increasing each week, and I am confident that within this next month we will get the vaccine to everyone who wants it.”

More than 100 additional pharmacies have begun offering vaccinations in the state over the past several days. 

“With the recent increase in cases in Connecticut, it is crucial that everyone who wants a vaccine, gets one as quickly as possible,” Connecticut Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “While general availability of vaccines is a cause for celebration, we must also remember to keep up our guard against the spread of COVID-19. Even after you are vaccinated, you should continue to wear masks, social distance, avoid large gatherings and test and isolate if you are sick.”

All state colleges and universities will be joining Central in offering vaccinations from the campus.

Though the details such as where students can register remain uncertain, Toro stated in her email that the university doesn’t require students to get a vaccination, but they strongly encourage it.