Notre Dame plans to vaccinate all students

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame University President John Jenkins confirms to students with a campus-wide email they will get enough doses of the Pfizer vaccine for every student to be fully vaccinated before the end of the spring semester. The announcement comes just several days after Governor Holcomb confirmed all Hoosiers ages 16 and up will qualify for the vaccine starting March 31st.

“Honestly when it comes down to it I’m so grateful that they have offered this. It relieves so much stress and it allows me to focus on what really matters being with friends and focusing on my future," said Student Kelly Straub.

Notre Dame Senior Jake O’Hara who already received his first dose says this week has been a game changer.

“A week ago I would’ve been surprised but over this past week pretty much everybody that I know has started to think about getting their vaccine. It didn’t seem like a possibility before," said O'Hara.

The campus also announcing the opening of a clinic starting mid-April which will be available for students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated.

While no priority has been given - O’Hara says he’s hoping professors will get the chance to get an appointment sooner.

“It would be great if the professors were priority for getting the vaccine so that students can also get it but everyone can get back in the classroom as soon as possible," said O'Hara.

For Straub she’s just excited to become a fully vaccinated campus.

"I really hope that there is going to be just normal that people can hang out in their dorms again and hang out around campus without feeling stressed or feeling like they have to be careful around each other.”

Faculty and staff are still encouraged to get vaccinated in the local community, but will be accommodated on campus if they can’t secure an appointment locally.