COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
Following the formal approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration and the expected approval of additional vaccines, Kent State University, on Aug. 27, 2021, issued a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. At this time, the requirement covers all students who are on our campuses and all non-represented employees. We are currently engaged in positive and productive talks with the leadership for our union faculty and staff with the intent to include them as well.
VACCINE PHASES
This requirement was phased in during the 2021 Fall Semester to give everyone in our community the opportunity to get vaccinated, particularly those who were hesitant and waiting for full FDA approval before getting a shot.
Phase 1
- Start getting vaccinated! Beginning Sept. 1, we expanded our testing efforts to include sample testing of unvaccinated students living off campus and unvaccinated employees.
- Unvaccinated students in the residence halls continued to be tested once a week.
Phase 2
- Conclude your vaccinations! Beginning Nov. 1, all unvaccinated students in residence halls were tested twice a week; all other unvaccinated students and unvaccinated employees were tested once a week.
- This was particularly important as cold weather arrived and we spent more time indoors together.
Phase 3
- Effective Dec. 20, all students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Booster shots also may be required in the future.
VACCINE EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions will be considered for medical, religious and personal conscience reasons. Access the proper forms to fill out to request an exemption.
Vaccines: Where Can I Get One?
- 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.
- The Moderna and Pfizer brand vaccines are available, and you may select which vaccine you prefer at the time you schedule your appointment.
- While walk-ins are not accepted, those who want a same-day appointment should be able to register for one.
- Vaccines also are available at a variety of locations statewide by registering through Ohio’s vaccine portal at https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Vaccine Reporting
Find out how to report your vaccine, and which are accepted.
What if I have more questions?
Visit our Vaccine FAQs tab or email vaccine@kent.edu or call 330-672-8227.