Saint Francis University To Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine
Loretto, PA (01/15/2021) — Saint Francis University health science students and faculty working in frontline healthcare settings will start receiving the Moderna Vaccine on Tuesday, January 19. As healthcare workers under Phase 1A of the Pennsylvania Department of Health's roll-out plan, these individuals will be vaccinated on campus through a partnership with Mainline Pharmacy and the University's DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness.
"We are blessed to be among the first University sites in Pennsylvania to be approved to distribute this life-saving vaccine on campus to our students and faculty who are on the frontlines," said University President Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Sixty percent of the University's students are enrolled in health sciences programs (Nursing, Physician Assistants, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Public Health). These "soon-to-be" practicing professionals are situated to provide immediate and long-term relief to the nation's healthcare personnel who are strained due to the pandemic.
Once the vaccine supply becomes more readily available in Phase 1B and 1C roll-out, the Disepio Institute will become a site for wider distribution to the region's population. Vaccines will be distributed according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's criteria (expanding to essential frontline workers, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions and others.)
"We believe that Saint Francis University and Mainline Pharmacy are ideally positioned to lead roll-out implementations in the region because of our shared mission of meeting the healthcare needs of our friends and neighbors in this rural setting," said Van Tassell.
Saint Francis University (www.francis.edu) in Loretto, PA is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.
Media Attachments
Saint Francis University will be among the first Universities in Pennsylvania to assist in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Saint Francis University
Marie Young (814) 472-3127 myoung@francis.edu, Erin McCloskey (814) 472-3938 emcccloskey@francis.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Saint Francis University to Host Aviation Education Center Open House Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Saint Francis University Celebrates First Graduates of Executive Ed.D. Program
- Six stand-out educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award
- Saint Francis University to host will 43rd Annual Red Mass/Law Day on April 25, 2025
- Saint Francis University Announces a Move from NCAA Division I Athletics to Division III Athletics
- Saint Francis University Names Jim Brazill as New Director of Athletics
- Saint Francis University Announces 2025 Summer Academies for High School Students
- Experience the World Through the Lens of Brother Shamus McGrenra
- Saint Francis University to hold MLK and Stokes Legacy Week
- Penn Highlands Community College and Saint Francis University Expand Articulation Agreement to Support Students in Pursuing In-Demand Career Fields