July 7, 2021
K-State reaches 72% COVID-19 vaccination rate
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University has surpassed an important vaccination milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lafene Health Center officials estimate that more than 72% of K-State students, faculty and staff have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The K-State vaccination rate exceeds the 70% goal of the nationwide COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. K-State has joined more than 700 other colleges and universities that are participating in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, which is an initiative from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education to challenge universities to have at least 70% of students, faculty and staff vaccinated by the beginning of the fall 2021 semester.
"We're thrilled with our K-State vaccination numbers because they are a step in the right direction toward ending the COVID-19 pandemic," said Kyle Goerl, medical director of Lafene Health Center. "But now is not the time to let down our guard. We must continue to be cautious, to practice health and safety measures, and to look out for our fellow K-Staters."
More than 16,100 K-State students, faculty and staff — out of a total K-State population of about 22,300 people — have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination status is protected health information and the university estimates are based on vaccine-specific information provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment tracking system.
"I would not be surprised if our vaccination rate is slightly higher than 72% because there may be some students, faculty and staff who were not included in the state tracking system," said Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students. "We continue to strongly encourage all K-State students, faculty and staff — especially our new students and employees — to get their COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so. We want every Wildcat to be a Wellcat as we look forward to the fall semester."
Upload your vaccination card
The university continues to strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff who can receive the COVID-19 vaccination to do so before arriving on a K-State campus. K-State students, faculty and staff are encouraged to voluntarily upload their COVID-19 vaccine cards to the myLafene+ patient portal.
Additional vaccine information
Individuals who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue wearing face coverings.
K-State students, faculty and staff can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines through Lafene Health Center. For a limited time, Lafene is offering single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines. When that supply is exhausted, Lafene plans to offer a two-dose vaccine. Appointments are required and can be made on the myLafene+ patient portal or by calling 785-532-6544.
HealthQuest credits are also available for employees who report COVID-19 immunizations.
Find more COVID-19 vaccine information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Your primary care provider also can provide additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers an online tool to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the K-State COVID-19 vaccine information website.