Vaccines Impact College Students’ Mental Health

Photo courtesy to ISU

NORMAL, Ill. – After nearly a year of debilitating darkness, college students are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel– the light being the vaccine rollout. Two college students are optimistic now that vaccines have started to be administered on campus.

Mental health has been negatively affected since the start of the pandemic. BusinessWire data says nearly 60% of college students said they were “moderately”, “very”, or “extremely” worried about their mental health. 

ISU student Megan Kroehnke said she doesn’t know much about the vaccines, but is trying to stay patient.

“I realize it’s not going as fast, and that’s making me anxious,” said Kroehnke. “When I think about all of the people who still have to get vaccinated, it’s a  little troubling.”

Kroehnke said the vaccines have had a positive impact on her.

“When I see people who get vaccinated, and showing off their cards on Instagram, that makes me really happy,” said Kroehnke.

In fact, Kroehnke’s parents received the Pfizer vaccine.

“We’re getting really close,” said Kroehnke.

Another student, who attends Heartland Community College, echoed Kroehnke’s optimism.

HCC student Kendall Reiling said he’s happy to see more people get vaccinated.

“I’m excited for it. I do think it’s definitely a large step towards getting back to normal,” said Reiling. “It’s definitely given me a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ feeling.”

Reiling plans on receiving one of the vaccines in the future, and expressed hopefulness about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

“I’m excited for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine”, said Reiling. “It’s just one shot and you’re done, so I’m excited to see that.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a weakened version of the virus to help the immune system build up a resistance against it, but has yet to be approved. The company announced on Feb. 4 that it has submitted an application to the FDA for emergency use.