Baker’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts grab national attention

In preparation for students returning to campuses this fall, the White House and the U.S. Department of Education invited colleges and universities across the country to join the fight against COVID-19. Along with 900 other schools, Baker University joined that fight.

The COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge is an effort to inform campus communities about the coronavirus vaccine, create a plan for the increasing vaccinations, and deliver vaccines on-site.

As vaccine champions, colleges and universities across the country are taking steps to keep their campuses safe this fall. Baker is no different.

In July, Dr. Cassy Bailey, dean of students, began sharing student stories entitled, “Why I Chose to Vaccinate.” The series caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Education, and Baker representatives were invited to join a webinar with the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, to share about the student ambassador program. Dr. Darcy Russell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Baker sophomore Mason Mecke spoke during the webinar.

“The message from the surgeon general was clear—vaccination is our way out of this pandemic. We need to encourage all our friends and family members to get the vaccine,” Russell said. “Just like wearing masks was an altruistic act, vaccination is an altruistic act. We get vaccinated not just to protect ourselves, but also to protect others and to help us defeat this virus. Vaccination works.”

One of the key messages for the challenge is to ensure that every student, faculty member, and staff member on campus has access to vaccination information and resources.

“The biggest threat to widespread vaccination is the spread of misinformation. College campuses can combat this spread by providing students and staff with various opportunities to ask questions and seek advice from people they trust,” Mecke said. “From talking with my peers, the biggest issue seems to be distrust in our government and authority figures in general. Many think doctors are in cahoots with the government to push this vaccine. Combating this deep-rooted distrust will be challenging, but I’d love to help in any way I can.”

The challenge was introduced in conjunction with new federal efforts aimed at making vaccinations easier and more accessible across the country. To assist in providing vaccination clinics on campus, the Douglas County Community Foundation awarded Baker University $4,000. The grant has allowed Baker to provide two free vaccination clinics on campus with prizes from local Baldwin City vendors.

“Through the generous grant, we were able to purchase ‘I Got a Vaccination’ shirts and gift cards from local business. These will be used as incentives for our vaccination clinics on August 9 and 30,” Bailey said. “With the grant, I was also able to hire 25 COVID Vaccine Ambassadors who are part of our social media campaign, as peer-to-peer conversation is imperative to the movement. We are appreciative for the support of our community members and local businesses through the grant.”

On Aug. 9, 42 people received vaccination doses at the first clinic, which offered first and second doses of Pfizer, and the single Johnson & Johnson dose. The next free clinic will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30, in Mabee Gym. No registration is required.