Student News

So You Got Your Covid Vaccine. Now What?

UK College of Pharmacy's Brooke Hudspeth shows how to wear and care for your KN95 masks.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2022) As of Jan. 12, 91% of University of Kentucky faculty, staff and students are vaccinated for COVID-19. While this number is outstanding, the Omicron variant represents a new challenge because of its transmissibility. Even though for those who are vaccinated – and, in particular, boosted – it is less likely to cause severe illness or hospitalization.

It’s important that we remain vigilant as a community and do everything possible to remain safe and well.

If you are fully vaccinated, here are a few extra steps to ensure your safety this winter.

  1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the continuation of mask-wearing in all indoor spaces or areas of high transmission. The university has provided two KN95 masks for each student coming to main campus for added protection against the Omicron variant. For more information about masking, click here.
  2. If you are feeling unwell or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. Testing is the best way to know if you are currently infected with the virus. Students can receive a free COVID-19 test at any on-campus location.
  3. Remain six feet away from those who do not live in your home, specifically if you are at a high risk for getting sick. Those infected with COVID-19 who do not experience symptoms can still spread the virus.
  4. A great way to ensure your safety is by receiving your flu shot. The university is offering free flu shots at various on-campus locations. If you have already received your flu shot elsewhere, you can self-report.
  5. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Germs spread by touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. A great way to pass the 20 seconds is by singing the UK Fight Song!
  6. If you are not already vaccinated, get vaccinated. The vaccine is a strong defense against serious illness and hospitalization. The university is also distributing booster shots to students and faculty and is offering an incentive program with the chance to win scholarships. Get boosted!
image of student getting a covid vaccine
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.