The Presidents of the higher education institutions represented by the IUA, THEA and HECA have joined together to urge college students to get vaccinated in advance of the start of the new academic year. The call comes on the back of the very encouraging uptake of vaccines by the younger age cohort.
Latest data confirms that over 82% of the 16 to 29 age group have registered for a vaccine with 78% having received at least one dose and 57% now fully vaccinated. The college Presidents are now asking those who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible.
Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Chair of the IUA and President of NUI Galway said: “It is gratifying to see the enthusiastic take-up of vaccines by university students for the public good. Their positive action to protect themselves, their families and fellow students is a key ingredient for the safe reopening of third-level institutions. We encourage all remaining students to register now for the vaccine.”
Vincent Cunnane, Chair of THEA and President of LIT said: “The desire to realise a safe and more engaged academic year is one shared by staff and students. That appetite is already evident in the admirable take-up of the vaccine and, as this is very much a social compact, we strongly encourage all students and intending students to avail of the vaccine.”
Patricia O Sullivan, Executive Director of HECA, said: “We strongly encourage students to take up offers of the COVID-19 vaccine before the return to on-campus.”
Ends.
For further information please contact
Kate Wood, Communications Officer, IUA, kate.wood@iua.ie
Róisín O’Connell, Head of Communications, THEA roisin.oconnell@thea.ie
Patricia O’Sullivan, Executive Director, HECA, patriciaosullivan@heca.ie
Notes to the editor
- The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is the representative body of the university sector in Ireland. For more visit https://www.iua.ie/
- Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) are the representative body for Ireland’s technological higher education sector. For more visit http://www.thea.ie/
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The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) is the representative body of Ireland’s independent higher education sector. For more visit https://heca.ie/