UW-Madison will offer extra appointments for COVID-19 vaccines, with an estimated 3,500 vaccination appointments available next week.
Previously, the University directed students to get a vaccine on or off-campus, wherever there were appointments available — as UW-Madison only had the supplies to administer around 700-1000 doses in a typical week. Starting this week, students are encouraged to look on campus for vaccine appointments due to the newly expanded appointment schedule.
“We’re confident that we have quite a bit of availability on campus, so students and employees can come down to the Nick,” said UW spokesperson Meredith McGlone. “There’s no cost for the vaccination, and if you go to the MyUHS Portal you can make an appointment.”
Over 27,000 UW-Madison students and employees have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Thursday, according to McGlone.
Students who already received the vaccine report positive experiences.
“It was very prompt,” said UW-Madison freshman Gahan Sudhir, who received his first shot of the vaccine on Thursday. “It took less than 10 minutes to enter and get the vaccine.”
UW-Madison hopes students take advantage of expanded opportunities to get the vaccine before the summer recess.
“Don’t wait to get your vaccine,” McGlone said. “Go ahead and get a first vaccination here while you’re here. We are optimistic that you will be able to get a second dose at your summer destination.”
Students who are interested in getting a vaccine through University Health Services at the Nicholas Recreation Center can schedule an appointment through their MyUHS Portal.
Gina Musso is a Senior Staff Writer at The Daily Cardinal. She previously served as College News Editor and Features Editor, focusing coverage around student government, campus COVID updates and in-depth reporting. Follow her on Twitter @gina__musso.