Students Use Instagram Videos to Encourage COVID Vaccinations

As the August 18-20 move-in days approach at Rockhurst, students are using Instagram videos to encourage incoming Hawks to be sure they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Rockhurst was set to open back up as close to “normal” as possible until a new COVID surge hit certain areas of the Midwest. Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas declared a renewed mask mandate for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the city. In response, Rockhurst is requiring masks for all personnel indoors to start the academic year.

“I’m strongly encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated and is watching this video to go get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said sophomore Kyle Wynne.

“My name is Fatima and I got vaccinated not only to help my own health, but the health of those around me as well,” said senior Fatima Portillo.

Earlier in the summer, RU announced it will require all students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to returning to campus in August. Exemptions are available based on medical, religious or personal reasons. Every student is required to fill out a brief form.

“To keep our community safe, honor our collective desire to return to normal operations, and decrease the chance of an outbreak on campus, we will require all students to become vaccinated before returning to campus for the fall semester,” said University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J. “By instituting this requirement, we are being given the opportunity to demonstrate mutual concern for one another.” 

The student video campaign is an effort to further the Rockhurst community’s commitment to demonstrating that mutual concern. To view the videos, see the Rockhurst University Instagram account's COVID-19 stories.