As Madison College continues to reopen, the school has held a series of vaccination clinics on its campuses.   

 Vaccines were administered on the Goodman South Campus on Aug. 19, and during Wolfpack Welcome at Truax Campus on Aug. 23-27. A total of 17 students received vaccines during these clinics.   

“Having more students and colleagues back on campus gives the buildings an awesome energy,” said Madison College Risk Manager Joshua Cotillier. “Thank you for your patience and dedication during these challenging times.”  

Thanks in part to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Madison College was able to enter phase three of its reopening plan for the fall semester. Under phase three students can have full access to campus buildings. This includes expanded face to face instruction as well as expanded on campus services including: the cafeteria, bookstore, advising, career services and veterans services. There are no door screeners or health screening surveys to enter buildings. While very limited domestic travel is permitted there is still no international travel. Third party events are also still limited.  

The surge brought on by the Delta variant is an added incentive for individuals to get vaccinated. Currently the average number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations are at levels not seen since late winter. Madison College has already been forced to reinstate its previously lifted mask mandate. Only 53% of Americans are reported to be fully vaccinated, while 62% are reported to have had at least one dose.  

Madison College is currently working with healthcare partners to hold more pop up clinics in the future.   

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines as the most effective way to protect both yourself and others from COVID-19. On Aug. 23 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 years and older.  

Since Dec. of 2020 COVID-19 vaccines have been available through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). EUAs can be used by the FDA during public health emergencies to provide access to medical products that may be effective in preventing, diagnosing or treating a disease. 

The criteria for issuing an EUA is that the FDA must determine that “the known and potential benefits of a product, when used to prevent, diagnose or treat the disease, outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.” The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the first COVID vaccine to receive the FDA’s full approval.  

According to Cotillier, the pandemic needs to be at or near its end for Madison College to move to phase four of its reopening plan. Phase four is described by Cotillier as “pre pandemic conditions.”  

When asked what students can do to help the college move into phase four Cotillier said, “Stay informed, get vaccinated, wear a mask in public, limit your social circle and stay home if you are not feeling well.”  

Follow up appointments for participants in the vaccine clinics to receive their second dose are scheduled for Sept. 5-15.   

For information on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 you can visit the COVID-19 Positive Test Results page on the Madison College Website. You can also contact the COVID screener at 608-243-4880 or email [email protected].