Uniting with many institutions throughout higher education, Gettysburg College is participating in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, a joint initiative by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education to help end the pandemic.
Launched by President Biden’s administration, which aims to surpass 70 percent of Americans receiving at least one dose by July 4, this initiative encourages younger Americans to join in. In a June 10 address, Biden said that 64 percent of adults in the United States have at least one shot, a rise from just five percent four and a half months prior, and 53 percent are fully vaccinated.
“Gettysburg College has a long tradition of rallying together in support of one another and the greater good. We have an opportunity—now, in these most challenging times—to lead by example to protect the community’s health and to do our part to help society emerge from this destructive pandemic,” Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano said. “Our participation in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge speaks to these commitments, and we are pleased to add our voice to the many other colleges and universities responding to the government’s worthy call to action.”
Participating institutions are committed to engaging its students, faculty, and staff, ensuring they know they are eligible and have the resources to get the vaccine; organizing their communities by identifying champions for vaccine efforts; and providing access to the vaccine.
Gettysburg College, now a Vaccine Champion College after taking the pledge, has already made efforts to educate the College community during the spring semester and provide access to the vaccine by offering on-campus vaccination clinics for students and employees in May.
Photo by Miranda Harple
Posted: 06/16/21
