Kean University has stood as a key center for COVID-19 testing throughout the on-going pandemic. Expanding upon its status as an integral part in maintaining the virus's spread, Kean is now one of Union County's vaccination centers. To schedule a vaccination, be sure to visit the Union County Vaccine website.

More information is available day by day when it comes to COVID-19, it's spread, testing and vaccination. With the limited information on the virus, it is important to know about the Moderna vaccine, which is offered in Union County at Kean.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was manufactured by ModernaTX, Inc and is a mRNA vaccine. The mRNA vaccines teach cells in the body how to make protein that triggers immune response in the body. This response produces antibodies to protect against infection. The Moderna vaccine is given to the upper arm muscle in two separate doses 28 days apart.

Receivers of the vaccine can expect common side effects like swelling, redness and pain at the injection site and possible chills, tiredness and headache throughout the body. Information gathered from clinical trials have concluded that the vaccine is 94.1% effective in prevention laboratory confirmed COVID-19 illness in people who received both doses.

For more information, be sure to go onto the CDC website. There, one can learn all about the COVID-19 virus, testing and the different types of vaccines that are offered. Currently, the vaccine is being allocated in phases classified by specific groups at a time. Before trying to make an appointment be sure to know classification and where on the priority one is.

Students are always welcome to be tested for COVID-19. Students and members of the Kean community should be mindful of their own health and if begin to show symptoms or are around people who have tested positive for COVID-19 should get tested. For more information, contact Student Health Services at (908) 737-4880 or visit the Kean COVID-19 FAQ webpage.