Lifebridge Health is now offering Stevenson students registration for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. For no cost at all, students can sign up, join the registry and receive priority based on their affiliation with the university.

With the recent announcement from the President of Stevenson University, Dr. Elliot Hirshman, detailing the full return of life on campus in the fall, the opportunity to get a vaccine is a critical step to ensuring a safe return to campus life. In an email sent to all students, Dr. Lindy Reymann, Assistant Vice President of Wellness Center, said that “vaccinations are demonstrating their safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID[-19] altogether or limiting its symptoms.”

The registration process is very simple. Students should visit www.lifebridgehealth.org to start and click the red banner centered at the top labeled “CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A VACCINE AT A LIFEBRIDGE SITE.” Students should then complete the registration form and make sure that they indicate “Stevenson University” as their employer to be identified as being associated with SU and receive priority scheduling.

After completing the registration process, students will receive an approval email that contains a unique vaccination ID number and a link to schedule the actual appointment. On the day of the appointment, LifeBridge will administer the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine based on that day’s availability.

Haley Hoover, a sophomore criminal justice major, jumped at her chance to receive her first dose of the vaccine as soon as the opportunity arose. Receiving the Moderna shot, she said she felt “fine” and only experienced “soreness at the injection site, a stiff arm for the next day or so and was a little tired.” Hoover was surprised that she even qualified for a shot so quickly and early on but is grateful for the opportunity to get her first dose. She strongly encourages students to sign up to get the vaccine. “I understand it’s scary, but getting the vaccine is going to help things go back to normal again,” said Hoover.

While SU is not currently requiring students to be vaccinated to return to campus, it is strongly encouraged as the Stevenson community prepares for a full-return to in-person classes, athletics, residence life and student activities. Per the State of Maryland, students 16 years or older are being given prioritization for vaccines effective April 27.

If students have any questions about the vaccine and scheduling an appointment, they can reach out to the Wellness Center at [email protected] or 443-352-4200. For information on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine visit the CDC’s website.