WCU Stories      April 27, 2021

Western Carolina University’s regional COVID-19 vaccine clinic will now operate with extended hours, including evenings and weekends and resume administering Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

“In light of recent recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we will resume administration of the Janssen vaccine,” said Cortnee Lingerfelt, director of WCU's regional COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

WCU will administer the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on April 28 and 29 and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on May 1 and 3. The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses with the second dose taking place 21 days after the first dose. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine requires one shot.

“Providing our region easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine supports our efforts as we gear up for a traditional college experience this fall with plans to resume all academic, social and extracurricular activities and continue the academic excellence for which the institution is known for,” said Richard Starnes, WCU provost. “Our WCU vaccine clinic is open to all groups and offers us a better opportunity of achieving a normal campus life to the fullest and safest extent possible.”

This fall, WCU is planning in-person classes, homecoming activities, concerts, Freshman Run, sporting events, Pride of the Mountains Marching Band performances, Family Weekend, and more. Residential Living is planning a return to full occupancy with common area gathering spots, and all buildings and facilities, including dining operations, the library, and the recreation center plan a return to normal hours and increased capacity.

The clinic is operating out of WCU’s Health and Human Sciences building, located at 3971 Little Savannah Rd. in Cullowhee, and vaccines are available by appointment only.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit vaccine.wcu.edu.