Student workers at California Lutheran University are now eligible and encouraged to sign up for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. 

“Student workers are eligible because they are an integral part of our university,” Ryan Akers, student employment coordinator and career counselor said in an email interview. “Many of them work around others just as much as staff and faculty so it is important that they are given the same opportunities as other college employees or professionals to receive this.”

Information Technology Services Student Technician Skyler Schuck said he received his first dose of the vaccine on March 1.

“When I heard the news that University Employees were eligible, I signed up for my appointment right away,” Schuck said.

Cal Lutheran senior Karyme Lara Chagoya has two on-campus positions and said that other student workers should take the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“We recently received the news that student workers would be eligible to get the vaccination,” Lara Chagoya said. “I actually received the vaccination before student employers were eligible. I work at a retirement home so my job was able to provide us with the vaccine. However, I did get an allergic reaction and according to CDC guidelines I am not eligible to receive the second dose.”

Akers said that student workers can make appointments through Ventura County Recovers site. Vaccination appointments open every Monday at 7 a.m.

Student workers should bring a letter from their supervisor for proof of employment in the education sector and government-issued ID card to their vaccination appointment. Some sites require a university ID and/or pay stub.

“Not every student will want to do this but we are excited to be able to give those who do want this a chance because they may be living, studying and working around others on campus or worried about contracting the illness,” Akers said.