Campus held their first Town Hall on Covid Vaccine distribution on Thursday, March 4, 2021. For those who missed it, I’ve compiled a few important points from this event. There will be a second Town Hall on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, for those who missed the first one, or have questions not covered in this post. That can be found here.
First and foremost, vaccines are still in short supply. Though technically faculty and staff who interact with students, as well as the students themselves, became eligible to receive the vaccine as of March 1st, it is more likely that employees will not be fully vaccinated until Summer, and students not until the Fall semester. These are conservative estimates, but still important to keep in mind.
How will I know when I am eligible? When you are eligible for a vaccine, you will receive an email from University Health Services (UHS), which will instruct you to visit MyUHS to make an appointment. If you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, both of your doses will come from UHS, and will be free of charge.
Will I have to take time off to get my vaccine? No. UHS will be having extended hours for second and third-shift employees, and your supervisors will make adjustments so that you may go get your vaccine during your work hours. Additionally, there will be translators on-site to assist any non-English speaking employees.
Where are the vaccinations taking place? The Covid-19 Vaccination clinic will be held at the Nicholas Recreation Center (aka the Nick) at 797 W. Dayton Street
Do I need to test negative prior to getting my vaccine, or do I need to be in compliance with Safer Badgers? No, you do not. There will be separate entrances to the vaccination clinic for those not in compliance with Safer Badgers. If you have an appointment with UHS, you can receive the vaccine.
Which vaccine will we be getting? You may get any of the three options currently on the market. UW and UW Health have received all three (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson). You will be told which vaccine you are getting when you arrive for your vaccination, and will receive the appropriate follow-up information then.
• The Pfizer vaccine is a 2 shot vaccine, to be given 21 days apart, fully effective 14 days after the 2nd dose.
•The Moderna vaccine is 2 shots, given one month (or 28 days) apart, fully effective 14 days after the 2nd dose.
• The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 1 shot, completed in one sitting, fully effective after 14 days.
Do I still need to wear a mask after I am fully vaccinated? Yes. The current pandemic safety protocols still apply even after you are fully vaccinated. Even if the likelihood of you contracting the virus is low, you may still become a carrier and pass it on to unvaccinated populations. Also, keep in mind that the vaccines are not 100% effective, so there is always the possibility that you may be part of the small populations still vulnerable even after you receive the full course of vaccines. Therefore, please continue to mask up, wash your hands thoroughly, and observe social distancing protocols.
Should I still get tested after I am vaccinated? Yes, especially if you are around an unfamiliar population, or are required to stay in compliance with Safer Badgers. The Safer Badger Protocols will not be going away any time soon.
What about side effects? So far, evidence has shown the side effects of all three available vaccines are minimal, and similar to the flu vaccine.
• About 3:4 people experience arm soreness
• 1:4 are tired a few hours after being vaccinated
• 1:3 get a headache
• And 1:5 people experience aches and pains
• Only 1:10 get a fever
If you experience worse reactions than those listed above, contact your doctor. If you experience a severe anaphylactic reaction, go directly to the emergency room.
The CDC has created an App to help monitor your side effects, as well as remind you when it is time to go get your second dose. More information on the V-Safe App can be found here.
Just a reminder: getting the Covid-19 vaccine is not required though it is highly encouraged. The more people who become vaccinated, the closer we can become to seeing herd immunity, or at the very least minimizing the effects of Covid-19 to non-epidemic levels. Keep in mind there is currently no approved vaccine for children.
If you are on the fence, or have any questions or concerns regarding the vaccine or your health, reach out to your personal care physician.
If you have any more questions, the Town Hall on March 17th is a great place to begin, and as always the UW Covid Response page is a valuable resource.
Stay Safe!