June 10, 2021
University joins the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge to reach 70% of K-Staters vaccinated
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University is contributing to a nationwide campaign to end the COVID-19 pandemic by having at least 70% of K-State students, faculty and staff vaccinated by the beginning of the fall 2021 semester.
K-State is joining the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, which is a joint initiative from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. The initiative is part of President Joe Biden's goal to administer at least one vaccine shot to at least 70% of adult Americans and of 160 million Americans being fully vaccinated by July 4.
Lafene Health Center officials estimate that between 55% and 65% of K-State faculty and staff and 60% of K-State students had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by the end of the spring semester. Vaccination status is protected health information, so the university estimates are based on vaccine-specific information provided by the state of Kansas.
"We have been very pleased with the high percentage of K-Staters who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccines so far," said Jim Parker, director of Lafene Health Center. "While the vaccine-specific information provided by the state shows between 55% to 65% of our K-State community has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, the actual numbers may be higher because our numbers also do not account for vaccines given in other states."
As part of the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, K-State is taking three key actions to help the community get vaccinated: engaging every student, faculty and staff member; organizing college communities; and delivering vaccine access for all.
K-State will be doing public information campaigns in the coming weeks to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and to increase K-State vaccination numbers. Look for more details and messages in the coming weeks.
K-State students, faculty and staff can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines through Lafene Health Center. For a limited time, Lafene is offering single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines. When that supply is exhausted, Lafene plans to offer a two-dose vaccine. Appointments are required and can be made on the myLafene+ patient portal or by calling 785-532-6544.
Find more COVID-19 vaccine information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Your primary care provider also can provide additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers an online tool to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the K-State COVID-19 vaccine information website.