COVID-19 Weekly Update #17

This message covers

  • How to get vaccinated on campus now
  • What if I’m already vaccinated?
  • Do I still need to wear a mask?
  • How much longer do I need to test?
  • Testing site changes 
Two students, socially distanced and wearing face masks, study on couches in the Discovery Building at UW-Madison.
It’s easier than ever for students to get vaccinated on campus. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)

Getting vaccinated on campus is easier than ever! Drop-in vaccination is available at the Nicholas Recreation Center although appointments are encouraged. Start your summer more safely — visit go.wisc.edu/myuhs to make an appointment. More than 19,000 students are already partly or fully vaccinated — way to go, Badgers!

Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, vaccination remains the best way to ensure strong and more enduring immunity. And as Tommy Thompson, interim president of the UW System, shares, it will also excuse you from required campus COVID-19 testing.

It’s important to get both shots of a two-dose vaccine to ensure full protection. You do not need to be in Madison for your second dose in 3–4 weeks, though UHS will provide you a second dose if you’re in town. If you’ll be elsewhere, check VaccineFinder.org — many retail pharmacies and mass vaccination sites throughout the U.S. are offering second doses of Pfizer or Moderna.

Already vaccinated?

Great job! If you were vaccinated off campus, make sure to let UHS know by uploading your vaccine record. That will ensure your Badger Badge remains green without the need to continue testing.

Do I still need to wear a mask?

On campus, yes. You may have seen that the CDC announced new guidelines Tuesday for mask wearing. University leaders are reviewing this guidance — any changes to the campus mask requirement will not be made until after the end of the spring semester.

How much longer do I need to test?

  • Once you’re fully vaccinated, you no longer need to test regularly. Learn more
  • If you’re preparing to leave Madison for the summer and you’re not yet fully vaccinated, be green as you go: continue testing every 72 hours until you’re within 72 hours of departure. Learn more about reducing risk while you travel.
  • If you’ll be on campus this summer and you’re not yet fully vaccinated, continue testing weekly to maintain your green Badger Badge, as some facilities and programs will require it for entry.

Testing site changes

Several testing sites will close permanently as campus transitions to summer operations:

  • 21 N. Park, Holt Center, Mechanical Engineering, Ogg Hall, The Shell — No testing after Friday, April 30
  • Dejope Hall — No testing after Sunday, May 2
  • Grainger Hall, Nielsen Tennis Stadium, Union South — No testing after Friday, May 7

There will be special Commencement Week testing hours and locations May 1–7.

How to get help