Background

As the semester comes to an end, vaccinating college students is important as we work to protect them, their families, and their communities. College campuses across the Commonwealth will be much safer for students, educators, and the entire community if students are fully vaccinated before returning to school for the Fall semester.

Some college students may receive their first dose of a two-dose series while on campus but may return home before receiving their second dose. This may include traveling to another county or state for vaccination, which would require utilizing a different provider for their second dose.

WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO DO AS THEY GET VACCINATED?

We encourage college students, and all Pennsylvanians, to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Choosing to get a vaccine marks an important step to protect yourhealth and the health of everyone around you as we continue to unite against COVID-19.

Students should work to schedule their vaccination appointment at their earliest convenience at a location nearest to them.

WHAT IF THE STUDENT RECEIVED THEIR FIRST DOSE BEFORE RETURNING HOME?

If students return home before receiving their second vaccine dose of a two-dose series, they should work with a provider in their community to get that second dose at the appropriate time. Students should remember to bring their vaccination card with them to their second dose appointment. And it is important to get the same vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) for each of the two doses in the series.

College students returning home at the end of the semester, even if that means to another state, should seek a second dose of vaccine (if applicable) as we want them to be fully protected against COVID-19. They should state that they cannot return to the same provider because of logistical challenges.

WHAT ROLE DO VACCINE PROVIDERS PLAY IN THIS?

Vaccine providers should work with college students to ensure they get their full set of vaccinations. If possible, both appointments should be scheduled at the same location.

If that is not possible due to a student returning home at the end of the semester, providers at the home location should work to ensure the college student gets fully vaccinated using the same vaccine they received as their first dose. The Department of Health will support Pennsylvania providers in these requests for second doses. It expects that numbers may not properly align, so providers are encouraged to include an explanation in the notes when filling out the second dose survey.

It is then important that the vaccine providers accurately represent this when they report the data to PA-SIIS.

Resources for more information

COVID-19 vaccine website

COVID-19 vaccine provider website

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan

The long-awaited day is here: Starting today, April 13, 2021, all groups are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, including college students from out-of-state and all employees.

• Sign up to get your first dose at the Lebanon County Vaccination Center, 1745 Quentin Road, Lebanon (must be age 18 or older).

or

• Find a vaccine provider here. The PA Department of Health has assured us that students from outside of Lebanon County will be able to schedule their second dose in their home communities if needed. Those aged 16-17 should look for locations that offer the Pfizer vaccine.

I’ve gotten my first dose and am waiting for my second. The process was easy and painless. I strongly encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as you can get an appointment.

When you are fully vaccinated, fill out this LVC form.

Until the vast majority of the population is vaccinated and we have achieved herd immunity, continue to practice distancing, wash your hands often, avoid gatherings, and wear a mask over your nose and mouth. We can do this—and, thanks to science, vaccinations are our key to success!

Submit your vaccination confirmation after you have received the second dose of the vaccine. You will need to upload an image of your valid vaccination card.

Student accounts will be credited room and board for the time students are not authorized to live in campus residential facilities or use dining services. We will distribute refunds of any remaining credit balances after the close of the semester.

Pennsylvania Orders & Guidance

• Secretary of Health’s Mitigation and Enforcement Order
• Secretary of Health’s Stay at Home Advisory
• Secretary of Health’s Mitigation Relating to Travel (Nov. 17)
• Department Of Health Updated Travel Order (Nov. 25)
• Preliminary Guidance for Resuming in-Person Instruction at Postsecondary Education Institutions and Adult Education Programs

CDC Guidance

• When to Quarantine
• Colleges, Universities, & Higher Learning
• Consideration for Institutes of Higher Education

LVC Policies & Protocols (in ADP)

• Employee Exposure to COVID-19 Response
• Guidance and Expectations for Working on Campus During COVID-19
• Pandemic and Communicable Disease Policy

Athletics Guidelines & Updates

• NCAA Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport
• Middle Atlantic Conference