COVID-19 Testing After Vaccination

By Chilekasi Adele

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Spring has sprung on the Syracuse University campus — leading to more students outside AND more COVID-19 shots in arms. 

SU Chancellor Kent Syverud said Sunday on CNN that the vast majority of faculty and staff have been vaccinated, along with more than 4,000 students.

Syverud also said the student vaccination figure only measures the students vaccinated by the University, not including venues like the New York State Fairgrounds or the OnCenter downtown.  

With the increase in student vaccinations, some have wondered if continued bi-weekly testing is necessary. Opinions are mixed. 

“It’d be really an annoyance for me… Im like ’ah, I’m vaccinated, I’m good from [COVID] but… honestly I wouldn’t complain about it, I’d still do it just ho-hum… just being responsible I guess,” said Freshman Henry O’Brien.

“But then once they say you have like 99% immunity, whatever, I don’t really think it’s necessary… but I mean, If you want to be cautious, I would say once a week probably isn’t too much to ask, “ Freshman Simon Barley said. 

Although most students questioned had similar opinions to Barley and O’Brien, not everyone was behind the continued protocols. 

“Honestly, it seems like a waste of money… If I’m already fully vaccinated, it seems like that would be enough. Seems like once a week is two much, but twice a week just seems outrageous,” said Freshman James Carson, irritated by the continued testing requirements.

We reached out to Vice Chancellor Michael Haynie for comment. Keith Kobland, a spokesperson for Haynie said, “We continually seek the latest guidance from Onondaga County and NYS along with CDC and our own health experts when it comes to changes in current policy.”