In an effort to continue to ensure the health and wellness of our campus community, Fairfield University and Griffin Health have partnered together to offer onsite clinics to administer Pfizer vaccinations to University and eligible Fairfield Prep students, and all employees.

The first of two clinics was held on Wednesday, April 21, for individuals to receive either their first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The second clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 13.

Those who had already received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine elsewhere were able to get their second dose at this week's clinic; first-timers this past Wednesday will receive their second dose on May 13.

“Fairfield University’s goal has been to help facilitate vaccinations for as many students, faculty, and staff members as possible,” said Karen Donoghue, vice president of Student Life. “We are grateful for this partnership with Griffin Health to make these clinics available on campus, for the health and safety of our community, and the community at large.”

Nearly 1,000 vaccinations were administered by Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies students and faculty, Fairfield's Student Health Center staff, and Griffin Health staff, at 20 stations set up in the University’s Field House in the Recreational Complex (RecPlex).

Kayla Beckman ’22 was among the Egan School nursing student volunteers who helped with injections. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to help at a clinic like this at such an important moment in our world. Seeing everyone come together to coordinate this with Griffin Health — and working with Fairfield to make this happen — is huge and shows Fairfield's dedication to vaccinate their students and do what’s best for the community.”

Griffin Health has been partnering with the State of Connecticut to efficiently administer Covid-19 vaccines according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The vaccination clinic for Fairfield University students and staff is part of a larger effort to provide lifesaving Covid-19 vaccination to individuals across Connecticut with particular focus on our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Pat Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Health. “Our commitment to improve health and well-being in the communities we serve is what fuels Griffin Health’s aggressive vaccination effort that consists of numerous community-based clinics, mobile vaccination teams, and mass vaccination sites intended to make vaccination highly accessible by bringing it into the neighborhoods where people live. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Fairfield University to protect its students and the family and friends they will return home to when the semester ends in a few short weeks."

Charmel added, "Many Fairfield University alumni are members of the Griffin Health family of caregivers, so being able to help meet the University’s vaccination needs is very meaningful."

Contributing to the vaccination effort is also significant for Beckman who shared, “It’s definitely been a challenging year getting used to this 'new normal,' but I’m feeling hopeful with this vaccination clinic. I’ve been involved in helping with the weekly Covid-19 testing, so to now help with the vaccinations — it has really come full circle. Being here to give back to the community has been wonderful.”