Washburn University emphasizes education in its effort to encourage vaccinations

          Topeka, Kan. –Washburn University is emphasizing education about vaccines in its drive to encourage students, faculty and staff to get a COVID-19 vaccination if they haven’t already done so.

             “We welcome questions about the vaccines because members of our community are skilled at critical thinking,” said Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University.  “We are convinced that once they have their questions answered – they will choose to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting the shot.”

             Farley also noted that the Pfizer vaccine just received full approval from the FDA and it, as well as the Moderna vaccines, is available on campus through the Student Health Clinic.

             “We know there is a lot of misinformation about the vaccines and that has created anxiety for many,” Farley said.  “We want to present the facts so that members of our community can make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.”

             The education program, which will begin next week, is designed to present the facts and be easy and fun, he said.  It is designed around a video with a built-in quiz.

             “It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to complete but includes important information about both the pandemic and the vaccines,” said Eric Grospitch, vice president of student life.

           What’s more, to help spread the message, student organizations who run programs to encourage participation from their members can win prizes of apparel or credit toward catering for events on campus. 

             “Finally, if participants want to increase their chances to win a prize they can present their proof of vaccination or a waiver based on medical or religious grounds,” Grospitch said.  “Those who were vaccinated before school started will get an entry into a separate weekly prize drawing including cash incentives and prizes from the Ichabod Shop.”

             Students, faculty and staff who present their proof of vaccination done between now and October 22 – or eligible waiver -- will still receive the extra entry into the cash drawing but will be eligible for a smaller assortment of prizes from the Ichabod Shop.

             “We also have plans for more prizes to come as we continue through the education campaign, so stay tuned,” Grospitch said.

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