As vaccination numbers in Mississippi decline, Alcorn encourages vaccination

Under the guidance of the Mississippi State Department of Health and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Alcorn State University strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

During the August board meeting, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning voted against a system-wide COVID-19 mandate but strongly recommended students and employees to get vaccinated.

“The Board of Trustees strongly recommends all eligible students and employees within the university system get vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr. J. Walt Starr, president of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “The vaccine is clearly the best protection against COVID-19 infections, transmissions and has been medically reviewed and approved by our country’s leading scientific experts. However, the Board does not deem it prudent to require it as a condition of employment or enrollment, except at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and other clinical settings.” 

Alcorn has maintained its face coverings mandate for the campus. Face coverings are required for students, faculty, staff, and visitors for all in-person academic classes and class-related activities, as well as all indoor venues and events, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings are strongly encouraged for outdoor venues when in small groups or in close proximity to others. 

“From the very beginning of the pandemic, the health and safety of our campus community remain our top priority,” said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn State University. “We have taken steps to create a safe campus environment, including enhanced cleaning, public health campaigns, and health services for the community provided by the School of Nursing and the Health and Disability Services Center. Alcorn has provided pop-up vaccine clinics for our campus and guests and served as a drive-thru vaccination site for the county to help stop the spread COVID-19.” 

The key to continuing normal operations is personal responsibility and vaccinations. The University strongly encourages all faculty, staff, students, as well as student’s household and family members to continue: 

  • exercising best practices of handwashing, 
  • social distancing to the extent practicable, and 
  • wearing face coverings. 

The campus Health and Disability Services Center located in Rowan Hall offers all three vaccines — Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer, free of charge. Visit Health and Disability Services or call 601-877-6460 to learn more about the available COVID-19 vaccines and how to schedule an appointment.