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Midwestern University’s Vaccination Centers have administered over 15,000 vaccination doses as part of Operation Hope, Midwestern’s community contribution to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. People interested in obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine should contact the University’s Clinics at www.mwuclinics.com.

Over 75% of Midwestern University’s community of faculty, staff, and students are now fully vaccinated – defined by being two weeks past the final dose of a single-shot or two-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The convenience and availability of Operation Hope vaccines has helped the University reach this milestone quickly, which has resulted in a steady decrease in reported COVID cases.

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, but it is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realize you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and reschedule your vaccination.

All vaccines can potentially cause side effects, but most of these are mild and short term, and not everyone gets them. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include:

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection
• feeling tired
• headache
• fever
• chills
• general aches, or mild flu-like symptoms

Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two to three days after getting the vaccine, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects do not seem to be going away after a few days

It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require two shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot. Also, experts do not yet know if getting the vaccine will stop you from catching and passing on the virus.  

To protect yourself and your family, friends, and colleagues you need to:

• Continue practice social distancing
• Wear a face mask
• Wash your hands carefully and frequently
• Follow the current health guidance

Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Medical experts advise waiting at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, including the flu or shingles vaccine.

State health departments determine the immunizations that are required of college and university students. Currently, the Illinois and Arizona state health departments do not require proof of COVID-19 immunization for students enrolled in college or postgraduate programs. However, students participating in clinical rotations may be required by their clinical site to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Students should check with their Dean’s office for more information.

Midwestern University does not currently require the vaccine for faculty or staff; however, all members of our community are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible.  

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-older-adults/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-older-adults

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-older-adults/covid-19-vaccination-guide-for-older-adults