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(740) 352-7020
portsmouthcityhealth.org

March 31, 2021

Graphic with the text "Roll up your sleeves, Ohio"

Register online now to take your shot on April 1, visit portsmouthcityhealth.org, or call (740) 352-7020.

The global pandemic is constantly changing, and Shawnee State University is working hard to keep the campus community safe in the fight against COVID-19.

Following Ohio’s change in guidelines to open vaccinations to everyone 16 and older who qualified, SSU is planning a clinic for students, staff, families, and friends of SSU on Thursday, April 1. The clinic will be a drive-thru starting at the Waller Street entrance to campus. Those interested should either register online, visit portsmouthcityhealth.org or call (740) 352-7020. There are still spots available for the mass vaccination clinic on April 1. No car? No problem, just show up at the Waller Street entrance and let the attendant know.

The university has been working with city, county and state health departments to bring as much support as possible to students and staff, said Dr. Linda Koenig, Director of SSU Counseling, Health & Accessibility Services.

Koenig said the immunization efforts have been very positive. “We have been doing a great job so far,” she said. “As of March 14, the Southern Ohio Medical Center has given out more than 14,000 vaccinations, which is the most in the county.”

In a meeting March 22, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the eligibility for being able to receive a vaccine has changed to everyone 16 and older in the State of Ohio. While the shots are open to everyone qualified, the Scioto County Health Department has made it a priority to focus on Shawnee State faculty and students the week of March 29.

The SSU Health Clinic has partnered recently with the Portsmouth City Health Department to begin its upcoming mass vaccination clinic for faculty, staff, students, families and friends of SSU. The first dose will be administered April 1 and the second on April 22.

Koenig said the mass vaccination clinic will be using a Pfizer vaccine, but the brand and type of vaccine is not always readily known. “Typically, whenever you go, you will get whatever they have, whether that is Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson.”

Although people are being vaccinated at a fast pace, everyone is urged not to celebrate and let our guard down just yet.

“Keep doing what we are doing with the masks and social distancing,” Koenig said. “It is very tempting to relax and declare victory at this point. The last thing that we want to do is start to backslide. Let’s continue the safety measures.”

Students are encouraged to consult their doctor or the campus clinic if they have questions or concerns before or after receiving a vaccine.