Luther College joins COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge

Building on its efforts to get students, faculty and staff vaccinated against COVID-19, Luther College has joined the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. Signing on to this initiative, led by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, means that Luther is committed to taking three key actions: 

·       Engage every student, faculty and staff member. Ensure every community member knows they are eligible for a vaccine and where to get one.

·       Identify champions for vaccine efforts across campus and implement a plan to get as many campus community members vaccinated as possible.

·       Provide vaccine access. Make it easy for students, staff and faculty to get vaccinated at sites near them this summer.

"Luther College is proud to be joining this national effort to get campus communities vaccinated across the United States," said President Jenifer K. Ward. "These action steps are already proving to be effective, as we have officially hit our summer vaccination goal. We know that vaccines are safe and effective, and because the Luther community has been proactive about getting their shots, we are well on our way to hitting our fall target as well." 

As of Tuesday, June 22, 71% of the summer campus community had voluntarily provided proof of vaccination and no COVID-19 Indicators were activated which means mandates for face masks and physical distancing on campus were lifted. 

In May, the COVID Response Team determined that Luther will move to Alert Level 0: Blue (Normal) when no COVID-19 Indicators are activated and 70% of the campus community has voluntarily provided proof of vaccination for COVID-19. As of June 22, 48% of the anticipated fall campus population had voluntarily submitted proof of vaccination. By August 1, the college will decide on necessary COVID mitigation measures for the academic year, such as face masks and social distancing. Decisions will be based on vaccination rates and COVID-19 indicators. 

The college publishes weekly updates on vaccination status and COVID cases on campus at luther.edu/being-community/protection-protocols/covid-dashboard/. 

            Luther joins more than 600 colleges and universities across the United States in this challenge. To find a location near you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/, or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438-829) for English or VACUNA (822-862) for Spanish.

            Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.