Coronavirus FAQs - Vaccines
As of Aug. 27, 2021, Kent State is requiring all students who are present on our campuses, all faculty and all non-represented staff to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 20, 2021. We are currently engaged in positive and productive talks with the leadership for our staff union with the intent to include them in the vaccine requirement as well.
Flashes Take Care of Flashes
We took these measures because with the FDA’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and its expected approval of the Moderna vaccine next month, we now have an official acknowledgement that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at stopping the spread of this deadly virus. As Flashes Take Care of Flashes, we must act to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
Vaccines are the primary and most effective tool against serious illness and the best path out of the pandemic. Not only do vaccines prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death, they also prevent the virus from mutating into one that is resistant to existing vaccines.
Vaccines also allow us to continue the vibrant and valuable in-person learning, events and campus experiences that we all desire.
We know this requirement brings with it the need to address your questions. Below are the most common questions to date.
Vaccine Questions Specific to Kent State
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS STUDENTS, will they HAVE TO BE VACCINATED TO TAKE THEIR KENT STATE COURSES?
CCP students who are taking their courses remotely and are not on our campuses will not have to meet the vaccine requirement. However, any who are eligible for an FDA approved vaccine and who wish to take in-person classes on one of our campuses should be vaccinated.
Any student seeking an exemption should follow the exemption procedure. More information on the exception procedure will be shared in the coming weeks.
Exemptions, are they permitted?
On Aug. 27, 2021, Kent State issued a COVID-19 vaccine requirement effective Dec. 20, 2021. Exemptions to this requirement will be granted for medical, religious or personal conscience reasons.
Lack of VACCINATION OR AN EXEMPTION BY THE DEC. 20 DEADLINE, What Happens?
Starting with the Spring 2022 semester, students will be ineligible to participate in on-campus experiences, including in-person classes or living in the residence halls.
For faculty and non-union staff, after being reminded of compliance needs, as well as being given time to get into compliance, progressive discipline will be implemented.
STUDY ABROAD AND STUDY AWAY PROGRAMS offered by Kent state, HOW are they Impacted by KENT STATE's COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT?
All students participating in Kent State-sponsored study abroad or study away program are included in the University’s vaccination requirement. Students who have a KSU-approved exemption must follow all host country and local guidelines for unvaccinated visitors. A KSU-approved exemption from the vaccination does not provide exemption from local law and regulations for COVID-19.
Reporting My Vaccine
Find out how to report your vaccine, and which are accepted.
Kent State Employee Vaccine Questions
May I take time off work to get my vaccine?
Supervisors are asked to cooperate with their employees if there is a need to take working time off when getting vaccinated. If possible, try to modify work schedules to accommodate this. And, of course, employees can always take sick, vacation, or other earned leave time if necessary. As a general matter it is suggested that employees be allowed up to two hours of paid time (per shot) before having to use any earned leave. For timekeeping purposes for hourly employees, the supervisor will enter job code “University Business” AND a note in Time Clock Plus of “COVID PTO”. Any questions about individual situations can be directed to hrweb@kent.edu.
IF I SUBMIT MY VACCINE STATUS, WHERE WILL MY INFORMATION BE STORED?
Information will be stored in two places. First, when opening the form and answering the brief question about your current vaccine status that information will be stored internally to the university. Second, upon completing the form a message will be displayed that contains a link detailing how to upload your vaccine card or signed letter from a physician into the Med+Proctor portal.
DO I HAVE TO PAY TO SUBMIT MY VACCINE INFORMATION?
No. When you sign up with Med+Proctor you will see messages about paying $10 to store your vaccine information. This is not required to participate. Med+Proctor offers this paid service to individuals who are going to use their portal on a more permanent basis to store their medical information. If you do not choose to participate in long term record keeping with Med+Portal, you will not be required to pay any fee.
WHO IS MED+PROCTOR?
Med+Proctor is a third-party technology company designed to streamline the medical forms from a paper to electronic files. Their target population is students, but they also can retain electronic files for employees. Kent State has a standing relationship with Med+Proctor to retain immunization records for our students. If you would like more information about Med+Proctor, you can visit their website at https://www.medproctor.com. You can also read more about Kent State’s partnership with Med+Proctor by visiting https://www.kent.edu/uhs/mandatory-immunizations. If you have questions or need support from Med+Proctor you can visit their support site at https://support.medproctor.com. Or you can email them at help@medproctor.com.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE TO UPLOAD MY VACCINE INFORMATION?
Find complete instructions about uploading your vaccine information, as well as information about the employee incentive program.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT:
- The vaccine incentives program: If you have additional questions and are a staff member, you can contact Karen Watson (kswatson@kent.edu) in the Division Human Resources. If you are faculty, contact Kevin West (kwest12@kent.edu) in the Office of the Provost or or contact AAUP-KSU at office@aaupksu.org or 330-673-9118.
- The vaccine requirement: If you have questions, please email vaccine@kent.edu or call 330-672-8227.
Vaccine Logistics
How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
University Health Services is offering COVID-19 Vaccines at the DeWeese Health Center on the Kent Campus from Monday through Friday, at varying times between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use this link to schedule an appointment or call the health center at 330-672-2322 to schedule a vaccine appointment. While walk-ins are not accepted, those who want a same-day appointment should be able to register for one. The Moderna and Pfizer brand vaccines are available, and you may select which vaccine you prefer at the time you schedule your appointment.
Vaccines also are available at a variety of locations statewide by registering through Ohio’s vaccine portal at https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
How many shots will I need to get?
- Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine separated by 21 or 28 days are required for the Pfizer and Moderna brand vaccines, respectively. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just one dose. Currently the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for youth ages 12-17.
- The COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable; recipients must receive the vaccine made by the same manufacturer for each dose. In the future, it is expected that additional manufacturers and guidelines will be available, including the potential for single-dose vaccines.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
- The government is providing the vaccine free of charge, and health plans are required to cover the cost of administration.
Vaccine Eligibility & Health Considerations
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
- Currently in Ohio, everyone ages 12 and older are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Kent State strongly urges all members of our community to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
If I had a positive COVID-19 test previously or have had a positive antibody test, should I still get the vaccine?
- Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that individuals who have had a diagnosed COVID-19 infection should still get the vaccine but suggests waiting 90 days post-illness.
Should I get the vaccine if I am not feeling well?
- If you are not feeling well, it is recommended that you wait until you are feeling better to get the vaccine. If you have scheduled an appointment to receive the vaccine and are not feeling well on the day of vaccination, you should cancel and reschedule at a later date.
- If you have a fever (100°F or greater), it is not safe to receive any vaccine.
- If you are currently in isolation for COVID-19 or quarantine due to a positive exposure to COVID-19, you should plan to wait to receive the vaccine until you have been released from isolation or quarantine
If I am breastfeeding or pregnant, can I still get the vaccine?
- Manufacturers that are testing the vaccines in clinical trials so far have not included pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
- Many individuals in these situations historically have not been studied in clinical trials and still receive vaccines.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that the vaccine should be available to pregnant and breastfeeding women if they choose to get it.
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?
- According to the CDC, if you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may receive a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.
- There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, according to the CDC.
- Like all vaccines, scientists are studying COVID-19 vaccines carefully for side effects now and will continue to study them for many years.
If I have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, should I still get the vaccine?
- There is a remote chance that there could be a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, which could include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fast heartbeat, rash, dizziness and weakness.
- You should not get the vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction to a past dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or any of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The CDC recommends a 15-minute observation period following vaccination for every person. People who have had severe allergic reactions or who have had any type of immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.
Is this vaccine like the flu vaccine? Will I need to get vaccinated again next year?
- The world is still learning how long immunity to the coronavirus lasts after a vaccination. Intensive monitoring and evaluation will continue after the vaccines are in use to determine if repeat immunizations will be needed.
Would there be any problems if I were to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time or in close proximity to one another?
- CDC states that COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing.
Johnson& Johnson Vaccine FAQs
After Getting the Vaccine FAQs
What should I do if I experience anxiety from this situation?
Kent State provides the following mental health support resources to our community members who may be in need: