Many USC students may be unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Engemann Student Health Center this fall.
An undergraduate student contacted the Engemann Student Health Center on Wednesday morning, inquiring about scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine appointments, and was met with an uncertain answer as to who will be eligible for vaccination. On Wednesday afternoon, a pharmacist working at USC Pharmacy on the University Park Campus explained that COVID vaccines will be available starting September 15, though only for “patients who are immunocompromised or over 65 years of age.”
The Food and Drug Administration revised its authorization for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines on August 27, designating mRNA COVID vaccines specifically for people who are 65 and older or who are immunocompromised. It is unclear whether the changes at the USC Health Center are related to the new FDA vaccine policy.
Some USC Student Health employees are still uncertain of who will be eligible for COVID-19 immunization on campus. “I don’t know what COVID vaccine rollout will look like yet,” stated USC Student Health nurse Justin V., who asked to be identified by only their first name and last initial. “Students would have to request a vaccine, and we will administer it provided they check with a doctor to determine eligibility beforehand, as it may not be medically necessary.”
When asked about the availability of the vaccine, a USC spokesperson said questions on this topic would be answered next Tuesday during Dr. Sarah Van Orman’s briefing for student media.
This story was updated after publication for clarity.