Chicago Tribune publishes op-ed by President Brand

The Chicago Tribune published an op-ed by Cornell College President Jonathan Brand on Feb. 8, 2021. 

In the piece, “Why states should give the new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to young adults first,” he advocates for college-age students to receive that vaccine as a way of preventing the spread of the virus.

“J&J’s test results reveal that that vaccine is not as effective as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at reducing serious illness or hospitalization. As a result, J&J’s vaccine, expected to yield about 100 million shots by June, should not be used for those in the highest risk groups,” he writes. “Rather, J&J’s vaccine should be used first for those who are our biggest COVID-19 spreaders and who are also at the lowest risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. Who is that? It is the 18- to 29-year-old population.”

He writes that this approach would provide the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people, adding, “This is how we contain COVID-19 and open schools and businesses. And, at least in higher education, we can help get this done.”

Brand has been president of Cornell College since 2011.