CSUB joins the White House COVID-19 College Challenge

Vaccinations safe, free and the best way back to our lives

By California State University, Bakersfield

June 15^th, 2021

California State University, Bakersfield is answering the COVID-19 College Challenge, issued by the White House, to encourage the entire `Runner community to get vaccinated as we prepare for a safe return to campus in August.

“Let’s celebrate our independence as a nation, and our independence of this virus,” said President Biden in a recent appeal to all Americans to get the shot. “We can do this. We will do this.”

By signing the White House pledge, CSUB commits to supporting access to vaccinations and sharing information on when, how and where the campus community can get vaccinated.

“Rolling up your sleeve and getting the shot is the best way to protect yourself and those you love against COVID-19,” said CSUB President Dr. Lynnette Zelezny. “I care deeply about each and every member of our CSUB family. We are happy to join other universities across the nation to spread the word to increase vaccinations. `Runners, we can do this!”

CSUB is proud of our service to our campus family and the region. The university opened its Bakersfield campus to a consortium of healthcare partners for a COVID-19 mass vaccination hub, which administered 35,000 doses of vaccine. Though the hub has closed, the consortium continues to strategically take vaccines to communities in need, and access to the free COVID-19 vaccines is strong in Kern, Tulare and Kings counties, as well as the Antelope Valley (see resource guide below). CSUB will publicize vaccination clinics as well as frequent reminders about access to the vaccines through the counties’ health departments and other sites.

“Some of our students have expressed reluctance about getting the vaccine,” said Erika Delamar, associate director of CSUB’s Student Health Services. “But I tell each student who contacts me: The vaccines are safe. Protecting yourself against a virus that has ended so many lives is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.”

ASI President Stephanie Magana supports CSUB’s involvement in the challenge and hopes students will be inspired to get the shot.

“I received my vaccination because it’s so important to me to return our community and campus to normal,” she said. “I have had no issues after getting my shots, and now I feel free of worry for the first time in a year.”

The California State University recently announced that all students, faculty and staff are required to be vaccinated before returning to campus in the fall, pending FDA approval of one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Since the two-dose regimen takes weeks to complete, getting your first shot now is important before the fall 2021 term begins on Aug. 24.