Raffle winners of the WUVAX back-to-school initiative have been awarded and many Ichabods have been vaccinated. But the number of students, staff and faculty streaming through the Student Health office is not slowing down.

As of Nov. 11 at noon, the office has administered 2,336 doses to 1,402 patients since beginning to offer the free service.

“Our hope when we started talking about it was for those people, who might not be opposed to it but it’s not a priority and they’ll get around to it, to drive some of those folks,” said Dr. Eric Grospitch, Ph.D., vice president of student life. “Early adopters were going to be in line regardless of what anybody did, because they wanted it. There are students who are just very clear, they’re not going to.”

Vaccination is not a requirement to be on campus, and Dr. Grospitch doesn’t want to see that be implemented.

“But I do wish people would take care of themselves and take care of those they care about by getting the vaccine,” Grospitch said.

In addition to providing a jab, Student Health office can also answer any questions one might have about all three vaccines available.

“A lot of people have had questions about long term effects and what they can expect after they receive a shot,” said Tiffany McManis, DNP, APRN, BC and director of student health.

Some people opt to mix the different vaccines, which the CDC has approved as safe.

“We certainly give education. We talk to everyone before we give them a shot. We confirm what they’re here for, which shot they’re interested in getting and talk to them about any questions,” McManis said.

Washburn faculty, staff and students can book a vaccine or booster appointment which are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p. m. and from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. by calling the office at 785-670-1470.

“We’ll continue to run vaccinations as long as there’s demand,” Grospitch said.

The university’s vaccines are provided by the Shawnee County Health Department.

Edited by: Katrina Johnson, Kyle Manthe