On Monday (Aug. 23), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 16 and older.
The Pfizer vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization for children aged 12 through 15 and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
“The full approval of the Pfizer vaccine is an important step in our ongoing battle against COVID-19,” said Dr. Carmen Burrell, medical director of WVU Medicine Student Health and Urgent Care. “Vaccination continues to be our best defense against COVID-19, and the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine hopefully will help those who previously may have been hesitant to be vaccinated feel confident in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.”
The University announced Monday that it will continue to strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated. Those on the Health Sciences Campus involved in patient care, including residents, fellows and students, will be required to follow separate WVU Health System policies, which were announced the same day, including those related to COVID-19, such as masks, personal protective equipment and vaccinations.
On-Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
In partnership with the Monongalia County Health Department, WVU is hosting an additional pop-up vaccination clinic on campus this week:
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Wednesday, Aug. 25
Mountainlair (event tent on the Mountainlair Green) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: The location may be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.
No appointment is necessary, and the clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine. Those who are interested in receiving a vaccine may visit the clinic during operating hours.
Vaccines will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. First, second and third doses (for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised) of the Pfizer vaccine will be available. Children aged 12 to 17 are eligible to receive a vaccine at the clinic if they are accompanied by a legal guardian.
In addition to the pop-up clinics, WVU Student Health Services has the Pfizer vaccine available for walk-in appointments during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Note: The WVU Student Health Services clinic will be closed Saturday, Sept. 4, and Monday Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Further, the Monongalia County Health Department is offering free vaccinations by appointment on most days at their facility at 453 Van Voorhis Rd. Anyone who wishes to be vaccinated can call the Monongalia County Health Department at 304-598-5119 to schedule an appointment.
Additional local vaccination opportunities can be found at vaccines.gov.
All students, faculty and staff must verify their vaccine status at myhousing.wvu.edu. This video explains the steps and information needed to complete verification. Students, faculty and staff still may verify their vaccines throughout the fall semester if they choose to be vaccinated at a later date.
Those who receive the vaccine from a WVU or WVU Medicine vaccine clinic still are responsible for verifying their vaccine status.
Visit the Return to Campus website for more information and the latest COVID-19 updates. WVU Health Sciences has updated the coronavirus.wvu.edu website to reflect the most up-to-date information on vaccines and the Delta variant.
Contact covidvaccine@mail.wvu.edu with any questions.