Health & Wellness Services is registered and ready to give you your vaccine when the day comes with the help of the WSU Nursing Department.
What do we know?
What does the COVID vaccine do? The vaccine teaches your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended for most, but it is not required.
There are two approved COVID vaccines that are being administered in the United States, Pfizer and Moderna. Both types require a second dose to be effective, within 21 or 28 days depending on type. The dose will not be as effective if you do not receive the second dose.
As a nurse caring for COVID-19 patients, my odds of contracting COVID-19 and suffering from severe symptoms were much higher than my odds of experiencing severe side effects from a vaccine. I have now received both doses of Pfizer’s vaccine and the only side effect I have experienced is a sore arm, which resolved within 48 hours after each dose. For life to return to “normal,” herd immunity must be achieved. It is estimated that 80-90% of the population must become immune to COVID-19 for this to happen. Vaccines offer, in general, a safe way to achieve this. I encourage all to consider receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. As always, be sure to discuss this choice with your health care provider.
When can I get the COVID Vaccine?
We don’t have an exact date for when college students can get COVID-19 vaccines.
There are various phases that the COVID-19 vaccine will be rolled out in Minnesota.
- Phase 1A: Healthcare Workers
- Phase 1B: Frontline Essential Workers & Adults 75+
- Phase 1C: Adults 65-74 & People 16-64 with a high-risk medical condition
- Phase 2: Other High-Risk Populations not Included in Phase 1 (and whoever didn’t get vaccinated during phase 1)
- Phase 3: General Population
Currently, we are in Phase 1A moving into Phase 1B. The general college student population are included in Phase 2. However, employees and those who are at higher risk may be eligible to get their vaccine sooner.
As we approach Phase 2, you will be notified by campus officials and WSU Health & Wellness Services via email when your vaccine is ready for you!
What don't we know?
Truthfully, there are still a couple things that we don’t know about the vaccine.
We don’t know your exact vaccine date just yet. Health & Wellness Services is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and local public health agencies are awaiting notification of when the vaccines will become available for college students.
We do know that once we you are eligible to receive your vaccine, you will be able to get vaccinated right on campus with the help from WSU nursing students.
Currently, all those that are vaccinated must continue to keep masking up, backing up, and washing up. Continue to follow the guidelines regarding close contact, quarantine and isolation. These guidelines will still be in place until the larger population receives their vaccine.
Vaccine FAQ's
Will I be Required to Get Vaccinated?
At this time, WSU does not have a policy requiring students, faculty or staff to get COVID-19 vaccines.
Can I Get the Vaccine on Campus?
Yes, WSU Health & Wellness Services will offer COVID-19 vaccines to students and employees when vaccines become available.
How Much will the Vaccine Cost?
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, no matter immigration or insurance status. Some vaccination clinics may ask for medical insurance information. If you do not have insurance, you can still get vaccinated.
We are anticipating more information and new research about the COVID vaccine coming out within the next few months. Please stay informed about COVID vaccine news by following @WSUHealth on social media.
Have questions or concerns about the COVID vaccine? Email questions to healthpromotion@winona.edu
