COVID-19 Checkup 04-01-2021
April 8, 2021
Bearkat Community,
We are now in the homestretch of the semester and looking forward to completing finals, in-person commencement at the Johnson Coliseum and a well-earned break. Let’s finish this semester strong and leave for the summer on a positive note. Know before you go and test for COVID-19! The Student Health Center recommends that students continue to get tested at least once a week, if not two, for the next four weeks. Testing is FREE for students, faculty and staff, courtesy of the SHC. You just need to provide your insurance or driver’s license information.
When: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Health Hut outside of ABIV and LSC Piano Lounge 2nd Floor
Get the Facts on the Vax
Sam Houston State University has gone to great lengths to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus, but we’re not done yet. Our best shot for returning to normal in the fall is getting more Bearkats vaccinated. Pun definitely intended!
With so much information on vaccinations, it’s hard to know who to listen to. That’s why Dr. Candace Walkley, infectious diseases specialist and assistant professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the SHSU-COM and Erica Bumpurs, Student Health Center director, will host vaccine education sessions for the campus community via Zoom on Monday, April 12 and Thursday, April 15 at noon and 4 p.m.
Join at shsu.zoom.us/j/89816554961 and get the facts on the vax!
One and Done!
All SHSU faculty, staff and students wanting a COVID-19 vaccine can self-schedule an appointment at the Student Health Center on select weekdays through the Patient Portal. Once scheduled, the SHC will send you a confirmation email and direct you to a vaccine screening form which must be completed prior to your appointment. If you previously signed up for the waitlist and do not have a confirmed appointment, you will need to self-schedule. The Walker County COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduler Application can also help you find a vaccine near you.
The SHC is currently administering the Johnson & Johnson shot. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a one shot vaccine manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of Johnson & Johnson. This vaccine does not take the place of another vaccine that requires a two-shot series (Moderna and Pfizer) and should not be taken if you have already had the first series of either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. For information on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, visit CDC COVID-19 Vaccine.
Q & A
Q: I received my first dose of Moderna at an off-campus location. Can I get my second dose at the SHC?
A: No. The SHC is only allotted second doses for the same quantity of first dose vaccines they administered.
Q: If it got my first dose of Moderna at the SHC, do I still get my second dose there?
A: Yes. The SHC is still administering Moderna second doses to anyone who received their first dose at the SHC.
Q: I just received my COVID-19 shot. Am I considered fully vaccinated?
A: According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
Visit the CDC website for additional information and resources on this topic.
Kudos and Thanks
Show your appreciation and nominate a faculty, staff or student who help keep our campus safer for everyone by exhibit outstanding COVID-19 safety and service. Bearkats will be recognized monthly and honored with the K.A.T. Award. Congratulations to our Kats caught caring in March:
Staff - Barry Doss, Dance Costume Design Specialist, Department of Dance
Faculty - Christopher Randle, Biology Professor
Student - Taylor Robinson, Doctoral Student, Criminal Justice
COVID-19 Updates
Weekly updates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to be added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.
REMINDER: If you received a positive COVID-19 test, please self-report your results immediately so we may ensure our dashboard is as accurate as possible.
COVID-19 Work Group
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Drew Miller | Student Affairs |
| Brian Loft | Academic Affairs |
| Robert Williams | Health Center |
| Joellen Tipton | Residence Life |
| Ann Theodori | SAM Center |
| Stephanie Knific | Marketing & Communications |
| Rachel Shorter | Tech/Desktop Services |
| Dustin LeNorman | Athletics |
| Matt Roberts | Facilities Services |
| Rhonda Beassie | Human Resources |
| Candace Walkley | College of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Erica Bumpurs | Health Center |
| Mary-Katherine Breen | Academic Success Center |
| Wayne Barrett | College of Arts & Media |
| Anne Gaillard | Biology/College of Science & Engineering Technology |
| Steve Jeter | Public Safety |
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Jerrell Sherman | Dean of Students Office |
| Jessica Smith | Human Resources |
| Rachel Valle | Student Activities |
| Clint Lockwood | Enrollment Management |
| Terry Blaylock | Client Services |
| Kristy Vienne | Auxiliary Services |
| Bill Angrove | SHSU Online |
| Julie Schwab | Provost's Office |