The race to vaccinate the population against COVID-19 is
zeroing in on college students in New York.
Lawmakers are pushing to make vaccines mandatory before
students can return to college campuses across the state.
Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman's bill would add COVID-19
to the list of vaccinations already required for college students, which
currently include measles, mumps and rubella.
The goal of the bill is to limit the spread of the virus on
college campuses. Hoylman is pitching the proposal as vaccine participation has
slowed in New York and around the country.
Dr. David Hirschwerk, of Northwell Health, says the measure
would help reign in the spread of the virus among students, while also
protecting nearby communities.
Students News 12 spoke with say they're ready and willing to
get the COVID-19 shot.
“I think everyone should get vaccinated,” says Francine
McDonnell, a student at Nassau Community College. “We don't want to spread
COVID to anyone and it would be better for the future. We could move on to
returning to classes in person.”
Most Long Island colleges and universities News 12 spoke
with are not requiring vaccines right now.
A spokesperson at Hofstra University says they're discussing
the possibility and will make a decision in the coming days.