San Diego City Wire

San Diego State University got the go-ahead in February to administer COVID-19 vaccines to its campus community, but that it didn't change the vaccination order. 

At the time, San Diego County was providing the vaccine to people older than 65 that met certain requirements.

"We have lost too many lives, and too many have become ill due to this virus," SDSU President Adela de la Torre and two other university officials said in a joint statement that was part of a Feb. 2 report on the university's NewsCenter. "These are actual people who had lives and who mattered to someone, and a growing number of us know someone who has been directly impacted by the virus. Getting vaccinated when your time comes will help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe."

The university received earlier what will be the first 300 Moderna vaccine doses and vaccinated people who meet the county's criteria, according to the university report. The university began distributing the by-appointment-only vaccinations on Feb. 4, at the Calpulli Center, following the county's approval of SDSU's formal request, according to the report.

"In accordance with state and county guidelines, faculty, staff and students, and other campus community members are deemed eligible through the state and county approved COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan," the report said.

SDSU faculty and staff are far more likely to benefit from the university vaccine program as very few students are 65 and older. Approximately 4.5% of SDSU's students are over age 35, according to a breakdown by CollegeFactual, which does not indicate how many SDSU students are 65 and old. The vast majority of SDUS students, about 90%, are between 18 and 29, according to the breakdown.

Faculty, staff and students who are eligible under the county's guidelines can expect an email or phone call "with an invitation to sign up for an appointment with Student Health Services," the university's report said.