Campus Public Health Officer: Everything You Never Wanted to Know About COVID-19 But Need to Ask Anyway

Author: Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Campus Public Health Officer

I’m vaccinated, now what?

First, thank you! Second, if you haven’t yet, schedule your booster shot as recommended in President Gabel’s December 27 message. As of Tuesday, booster shots are available for anyone 12 years of age or older. Vaccination is available for age 5 and up.

I’m vaccinated, does that mean I can’t get COVID-19?

No, especially not with omicron being so easily transmissible and so prevalent in our communities. The most significant benefit of vaccination is that it helps you avoid serious complications and hospitalization. The booster shot(s) are critical to maintaining this benefit.

I’m vaccinated and boosted, am I done?

Probably not. Viruses evolve, and we’re seeing immunity decrease over time. Updated and amplified protection is key to staying healthy and bringing the pandemic under control.

I’ve had COVID-19, does that protect me from the omicron variant?

Based on current data, no. You should still get vaccinated and boosted.

I don’t feel well. What should I do?

• The state of Minnesota offers community sites with free diagnostic testing for COVID-19, and an in-home sample collection test (Vault Medical Services).
• If you can find them, 11 brands of at-home testing kits that give rapid results have been approved by the FDA. Tests currently run $10 and up. The cost of the test is tax deductible (eligible expense for FSA/HSA and other medical savings accounts). Increased production and free distribution of at-home kits is planned to begin later this month.

I tested positive for COVID-19. Now what do I do?

• Take care of yourself and seek medical help if needed.
• You need to isolate. Please note: The University is aware of the current CDC guidance on isolation and quarantine, and is in the process of reviewing our guidelines. If there are changes to our recommendations, they will be posted on the Safe Campus website.
• If you used an in-home test, you should report the results to your healthcare provider. You may be asked to confirm results with a PCR test.