UNCC teams up with federal officials to help get more students, employees vaccinated

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Charlotte is taking a major step to increase COVID-19 vaccination among its students and employees.

The university has joined forces with the White House and the U.S. Department of Education to take part in a new challenge.

Vaccination isn’t required for fall enrollment, but officials said it is highly recommended.

So far, 10,000 students, faculty and staff have turned in records to the university saying they’ve been vaccinated. Last fall’s enrollment was near 30,000 students and about 5,000 people work there.

“I’m a public health student. I believe in vaccine, so I went to get vaccinated right away,” one student said.

UNCC is one of more than a dozen North Carolina colleges to participate in the new White House COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge.

They’ve pledged to engage with students and employees, implement a plan to get as many of them vaccinated as possible and continue hosting vaccine clinics to ensure access.

The challenge supports the national goal of reaching at least a 70% vaccination rate among adults by July 4.

Some students say meeting the mark will be difficult.

“I don’t think it’s possible. We can try, but I don’t know if people are going to get vaccinated,” a student said.

Officials said they expect to receive more forms from students and employees this summer and closer to the fall semester saying they’ve been vaccinated. They’re also offering prizes to people who participate and turn them in.

(Watch Below: UNCC to provide incentives for students who get vaccinated)

UNCC to provide incentives for students who get vaccinated

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