St. Thomas’ University Action and Response Team announced in an email to students, faculty and staff Wednesday that the university will host a COVID-19 vaccination event for the aforementioned members of the community.

Hy-Vee Pharmacy will administer the Pfizer vaccine for those community members age 16 and older. The first doses will be administered April 23, 24 and 26 and the second doses will be administered on May 14, 15 and 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the McCarthy Gym.

“We anticipate being able to administer doses for up to 1,000 individuals per day,” UART said in its email.

Registration for the vaccine on campus will be limited to current students, faculty and staff due to limited supply. Registration opens Thursday at noon, and a registration link for the first dose will be emailed to community members by the Center for Well-Being at that time.

Community members are still encouraged to get their vaccine from community sites and primary health care providers if possible.

“If you have an earlier opportunity to book a vaccine appointment elsewhere, take it!” the email said.

Last Monday, the university reported 29 positive COVID-19 tests on campus the week of April 4-10, up 12 from the week prior. 25 of those cases came from students, and all but one case came from the St. Paul campus.

Just under 370,000 people in Minnesota were vaccinated last week, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Over 2 million Minnesotans have had at least one dose of the vaccine, and around one and a half million have completed the vaccine series.

Some students are still considering whether they will get vaccinated at St. Thomas or by their primary healthcare providers, such as sophomore Abby Kremer.

“I’m considering it just because I’m from out of state. I am also thinking about going back home to get (the vaccine) with my local doctor,” Kremer said.

Junior Nicole Pieper, an out-of-state student who does not have a car on campus, is looking forward to hopefully getting vaccinated at St. Thomas.

“I’m very excited to learn that the school is doing that,” Pieper said. “I was worried about having transportation to get the vaccine elsewhere so I’m very appreciative that the school is helping us out.”

First-year international student Brooke Betson, from Canada, is also thrilled to get the vaccine on campus.

“It’s exciting because my age range is not currently in line to get the vaccine back home so I am going to be getting the vaccine before lots of my friends at home,” Betson said.

The community vaccination event will provide easier access to many community members that do not have the means to get it elsewhere.

“Because I’m here and away from my family and don’t have a car and all that stuff, having it on campus makes it a lot easier for me because it’s right on my doorstep,” Betson said.

Cam Kauffman can be reached at kauf8536@stthomas.edu.
Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.