Will Ohio State University require COVID-19 vaccines in the fall?
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As more colleges and universities across the country require students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before fall semester, Ohio State University says its students are already rolling up their sleeves.
According to Doctor Andrew Thomas, Chief Clinical Officer at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, more than 28,000 students have received at least their first dose.
"It's over 40 percent and when you look at statewide, the groups between ages 20 and 30, which is where students fall into, statewide the group between age 20 and 30 is getting vaccinated at a rate that's under 30%," said Dr. Thomas.
One reason for the numbers trending higher on campus, Dr. Thomas believes is that the university has made it so convenient for students.
So, will Ohio State mandate its students to receive the COVID-19 shot before returning in the fall?
"There's currently a group that's looking at the restart in the fall semester," said Dr. Thomas.
"They are looking at a wide range of options. I think at this point we're trying to encourage students to understand the benefits of the vaccine. We do not have plans at this point to mandate the vaccine in any way."
He says what you'll likely see is the push to highlight not only the health benefits of the COVID-19 shot but other perks such as fewer trips to a COVID-19 testing site.
"So, when you think about the time and effort to walk to a testing site to get tested if you were to have a much lower frequency of testing that might be another one of those benefits or positive incentives," he said.
And before students leave for summer break, the university is urging students to get vaccinated.
