Dear UMW Community,
This week the COVID-19 community level remains low, as reported on the CDC tracker. Based on this level of transmission, the CDC’s recommended action is to “Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, UMW will host an on-campus vaccine clinic, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center, with services provided by Giant Pharmacy. No appointment is needed.
If you are more than two months out from your prior COVID-19 vaccine dose, you may be due for an updated booster. Check that you are up-to-date on the CDC website. The vaccine clinic will have COVID vaccines and boosters; however, Moderna’s bivalent booster may not be available due to a nationwide shortage. Giant Pharmacy does not have monkeypox vaccines available at this time. In addition to vaccines and boosters for COVID-19, vaccines for flu, shingles and tetanus will also be available, typically at no cost with insurance.
The CDC also recommends an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Another vaccine clinic will be offered on Thursday, Nov. 17.
UMW continues to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with public health guidance and will provide updates to the campus community when there are significant updates from the CDC or an increase in our community levels. We are also monitoring the latest data and information about the spread of monkeypox, and working in partnership with the Rappahannock Area Health District. For information on monkeypox transmission, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s monkeypox website, call the VDH hotline at 877-829-4682, or visit the CDC monkeypox transmission website.
Take care,
UMW’s Public Health Advisory Working Group