What you need to know about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccines currently being distributed have been evaluated in tens of thousands of volunteers in clinical trials, which met rigorous standards set for all vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Based on the results, the FDA made the vaccines available through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA will continue to monitor the safety of the vaccines now that they are in use.

Following guidelines from the CDC, the state of West Virginia created a phased distribution plan, which is currently underway. All West Virginians over the age of 16 are encouraged to pre-register through the West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System.

Vaccine supplies are limited, so pre-registration does not mean immediate access to vaccination. Pre-registration offers West Virginians the opportunity to receive real-time updates on vaccine availability and schedule an appointment when available as vaccine supplies allow.

Visit West Virginia's COVID-19 site for additional information about vaccinations and testing locations.

Public Health and Safety

Until we have an approved treatment or vaccine, you can protect yourself and others with a few simple guidelines.

Watch the “Three Cs” — close, continuous contact with others; crowds; and, close spaces.

Maintain physical distancing to at least 6 feet from others outside your immediate family and friends circle.

Increasing the physical distance between individuals reduces transmission of the virus.

Wear a mask or face covering that covers your mouth and nose.

You should not remove them during conversations.

Dr. Kathy Moffett explains why it’s important to wear your mask or face covering and how to properly put them on.

The spread of COVID-19 can be controlled when 80% of a population wears face coverings and face masks properly.

Keep your environment and your hands clean.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer when touching public surfaces. Humming the chorus of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is an easy way to estimate.

  • Do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes, which can introduce the virus.
  • Cover your face when sneezing or coughing (even when wearing a mask).
  • Limit touching shared surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus.

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WVU and the Coronavirus

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Information from Spring 2020

All information listed below is relevant to the 2020 Spring Semester.