CSU Expands Vaccine Availability with New Partnerships

In an effort to make the COVID-19 vaccine readily available to its campus communities, the CSU has partnered with national pharmacies and area hospitals to offer free local pop-up clinics specifically for CSU students and employees. While many CSU campuses already serve as vaccination sites for the broader community, these new clinics represent a unique public-private partnership between the university and pharmacies such as Rite Aid, Albertsons/Safeway, CVS and Walmart.  

“The CSU is thrilled to be able to partner with major national pharmacies to bring the COVID-19 vaccine directly to our campuses,” says Jenny Novak, director of systemwide emergency management and continuity at the CSU Chancellor’s Office. “We highly encourage all CSU students, staff and faculty to take advantage of these free and convenient vaccination days just for our communities. Through these partnerships, we are actively doing our part to help the state achieve its vaccination and immunity goals.” 

For example, both CSU Channel Islands and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo partnered with Rite Aid to offer first-dose COVID-19 vaccines on April 29 and will begin second-dose appointments on May 20. Chico State has also partnered with Rite Aid to offer a clinic on May 11, and Cal State Fullerton has partnered with Providence St. Jude Medical Center to make COVID-19 vaccinations available to all faculty, staff, students and their immediate family members living in Southern California.   

Interested students and employees should visit their CSU campus coronavirus information website or contact their office of student affairs or human resources department for information.   

On April 22, the CSU announced plans to implement a fall 2021 term COVID-19 vaccination requirement upon FDA approval of one or more of the vaccines. The proposed policy—still in development—would require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated before accessing any campus facilities. In addition, the American College Health Association urges college students to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and not to delay initiation until they reach their summer destination. 

As part of its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its students and employees, the CSU will continue to assess the needs of its campuses and may consider offering additional clinics closer to the start of the fall semester.