EC Ohio News

Ohio State University issued the following announcement on Feb. 24.

Buckeye Booster incentive continues through early April

Ohio State students can now schedule COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at the Wilce Student Health Center on the Columbus campus.

Jesse Owens North continues to provide COVID-19 testing but is no longer offering booster shots. With that change, the Wilce Student Health Center offers a convenient, central location for students, said Peggy Butauski, Allied Services manager in the Office of Student Life Student Health Services.

“It’s easy. Students can schedule themselves online,” Butauski said. “They can call in at any time, too.”         

Students can schedule appointments by visiting My BuckMD or by calling 614-292-4321. Appointments are available Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Ohio State offers booster shots according to eligibility standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Student Health Services is offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Everyone 12 and older should get a booster shot if:

• You received your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least five months ago.
• You received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

“The booster can enhance your protection from serious illness,” said Sheila Westendorf, Medical Director of Student Health Services. “Pfizer is one of the vaccines that’s recommended for some of our international students who may have gotten vaccinated outside of the United States.”

Individuals on regional campuses should use the Ohio Department of Health vaccine locator. 

Ohio State students, faculty and staff who receive and report their COVID-19 booster shots to the university are eligible for the Buckeye Booster Drawing. The incentive program is providing 100 prizes per week in the form of $100 gift cards through early April (with a pause for spring break in March). The third round of winners received their prizes today, bringing the total number of winners to 300. The deadline to register for the next drawing is Sunday, February 27 at 11:59 p.m. There are still five drawings remaining. 

To participate, students, faculty and staff must complete these steps: 

1.      Receive the COVID-19 booster dose.

2.     Submit your booster information to the university if you have not already done so. Students should report through My BuckMD. Employees should report through the Employee Health Record. 

3.     Enter the drawing by completing this form. 

Rules and other information are available on the Buckeye Booster Drawing webpage. 

Original source can be found here.