Last week, three large studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the importance of getting a booster shot for all when eligible to provide the best protection against the COVID-19 omicron variant.
Infectious disease and public health experts have encouraged COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, along with proper mask wearing. UNMC requires vaccination and encourages boosters when eligible.
Read a news report on the studies.
The studies involved millions of cases and found that getting boosted was 90% effective at preventing hospitalizations. Protection from just two doses was lower, especially if five months had passed since the second shot.
The studies also found boosters are highly effective in preventing visits to the emergency room and urgent care centers. In all three studies, unvaccinated people faced the highest risks of becoming sick with COVID-19.
Other campus safety reminders:
- Masks are required on campus: Please remember that this includes study space, such as in the McGoogan Health Sciences Library unless you are in an individual study room by yourself. When eating or drinking, please use a study room where you are alone and can remove your mask. Staff have noted a significant number of students are not wearing masks in the library. Failure to wear a mask will be treated as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and individuals will risk losing access to the library.
- Limit community spread: To protect our campus community and mission operations, it’s important while off campus to continue to consistently wear masks properly and avoid crowds.
- Assess and self-screen your risk for COVID-19 daily using the free 1-Check UNMC app.
- Domestic travel for students and employees should follow the current CDC guidelines for domestic travel (last updated Jan. 4, 2022).
- Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated.
- If you are NOT fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test one to three days before your trip. Travelers who are NOT fully vaccinated should get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full five days after travel.
- All travelers should self-monitor for COVID symptoms and get tested if they develop symptoms.
- International travel requires an international travel request form that includes an explanation of why the travel is essential and a detailed summary of local health and travel guidance for the travel locations. The international travel request form is in addition to pre-trip approval using the Concur software program.
- KN95 mask guidelines: Read guidelines on how long a KN95 mask can be worn.
- For more information: Visit the UNMC coronavirus website for the latest campus COVID-19 guidance on screenings, exposure, masks, travel and other topics.