Texas Christian University received and distributed 1,335 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to students, faculty and staff during a walk-up vaccine clinic at Amon G. Carter Stadium April 6. Vaccines were administered by the Brown-Lupton Health Center, with the support of nursing students and faculty from Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
“Many students will be leaving campus soon as we near the end of the semester, so we primarily targeted students with this allotment since the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose and they won’t be required to return for a second dose,” Jane Torgerson, M.D., medical director of the Brown-Lupton Health Center, said. “We also expect an allotment 2,688 Pfizer vaccines (first and second doses) by the end of the week and additional Moderna allocation later this month – both of which we plan to make available to all faculty, staff and students who are registered through TCU.”
Students, faculty and staff who are registered to receive the vaccine through TCU should check their campus email for more information and an invitation to make an appointment for a vaccine in the coming days and weeks. Typically, email invitations to schedule an appointment are sent 1-2 days prior to the vaccination clinic, to ensure the shipment has been received.
“We are confident we will receive more soon – and are excited that vaccines are becoming more available,” Dr. Torgerson continued. “I encourage everyone to register for the vaccine if they haven’t already.”
The April 6 clinic brings the total known number of TCU students, faculty and staff who have received the COVID-19 vaccine to 3,782, a number that is growing daily. To date, more than 8,000 campus members have registered to receive the vaccine.
Another target priority group that received the vaccine April 6 was TCU dining staff who have been working on the front lines throughout the pandemic to continue to serve students.
“It has been an incredible year for our dining team,” Jude Kiah, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs administration, said. “They have gone above and beyond to support students through the pandemic and the winter storm and have strictly adhered to all safety protocols. Being able to offer the vaccine to this dedicated group, right here at TCU, means so much to the entire Student Affairs team and marks an important occasion in our fight against this pandemic.”
All current TCU students, faculty and staff employees are encouraged to register for the vaccine through TCU. Once vaccinated by TCU or through another organization, TCU asks campus members to report by using the vaccine report form to better inform public health guidance.
The Brown-Lupton Health Center is registered with the Texas Department of State Health Services to be a provider of the COVID-19 vaccination to current TCU employees and students. For more information for TCU students, faculty and staff about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the TCU Vaccine Information webpage on the Connected Campus microsite.