AU offers free vaccinations, chance to win prizes

By Chris Woods | News editor

Augusta University will hold two vaccination clinics in the month of August where students and staff can receive a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge and even be enrolled to win prizes.

The first clinic is taking place today, Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second clinic will occur on Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both clinics will be held on the Summerville campus in the Jaguar Student Activities Center ballroom. 

As AU continues to “strongly encourage” vaccinations, AU is now offering to enter students into a raffle upon receiving the shot, giving them the chance to win one of several gift cards valued up to $100.

Associate Dean of Students Gina Thurman said that the hope is for “as many students as possible” to receive a vaccination, but at first, the registration numbers were low at around 60 students. 

“Initially, we offered the spots, and we didn’t have a huge turnout,” she said.

Thurman said AU decided to follow the example of other schools in the University System of Georgia of offering incentives to those students who opt for vaccination, which showed good results.

“We learned other schools across the system are doing things similar, and they’ve had good responses,” Thurman said. “So, we put together a plan to try to encourage as many students as possible to get vaccinated.”

According to Thurman, after announcing on Monday the drawing for gift card prizes, registrations jumped to 111, almost doubling. 

While it is recommended to register to receive a shot, walk-ins are welcome, as well.

Students are encouraged to attend a clinic soon to be considered for a prize. Gift cards are while supplies last.

Contact Chris Woods at riwoods@augusta.edu.

The Augusta University vaccine clinic poster shows students when and where the clinic takes place. (photos by Chris Woods.)