As we transition back to an in-person campus environment it is time to address some common misconceptions regarding COVID-19.
Myth: I’ve already had COVID-19 and I have antibodies, so I don’t need to be vaccinated.
Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That is because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible — although rare — that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact the Marquette Medical Clinic if this scenario applies to you and will impact your ability to be fully vaccinated by the Aug. 1 deadline. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Myth: My personal conviction against receiving the vaccine means I don’t need to be vaccinated or fill out any forms.
Fact: While the university will grant exemptions based on personal conviction, the student still bears some responsibility in the process. Students who request an exemption based on their personal beliefs must complete and submit an exemption form that requires them to:
- Acknowledge the availability of a vaccine
- Acknowledge the public good of being vaccinated
- Acknowledge the personal risks of not being vaccinated
- Sign (or, if a minor, having parent or legal guardian sign) the form to request the exemption based on their personal beliefs.
Myth: If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, I still have to fill out daily COVID Cheq.
Fact: Starting July 19, once your vaccination card is uploaded and verified, you no longer have to fill out the daily COVID Cheq screening. Individuals who have uploaded their vaccine information will receive a green pass, which may be requested at certain campus locations such as the libraries or dining halls.
Myth: Anyone can stop you at any time on campus and ask to see your vaccine card.
Fact: Like all other required student vaccine records, your COVID-19 vaccination status will only be recorded and maintained via the secure Medical Clinic Patient Portal. Once your vaccination forms or exemptions are submitted, no student will be asked or compelled to share their vaccination status beyond that.
Additionally, for those who are vaccinated, once your vaccination forms are submitted and verified, you will no longer be required to complete the daily COVID Cheq screening process as of July 19 — instead, you will automatically receive a COVID Cheq “Green Badge” each day. The Green Badge will be required to enter the libraries, dining halls and the recreation facilities. Students who are granted an exemption will continue to receive COVID Cheq daily.
Myth: The university never required any other vaccines before, but now they require the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fact: Marquette does require certain vaccines for students, including the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox) and adult Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccines and now the COVID-19 vaccine. All newly-admitted and re-admitted students are required to complete the Immunization History and Tuberculosis Risk Questionnaire on the MU Patient Portal.
Myth: Vaccinated students will still have to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19
Fact: Students who are fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms of COVID-19, and they will no longer be required to complete the daily COVID Cheq screening.
Please note: students who are granted an exemption rather than receiving the vaccine will be required to complete the daily COVID Cheq screening process, participate in surveillance testing, quarantine for 14 days if contact tracing determines they came into close contact with someone infected with COVID-19 and follow any other university-wide protocols related to COVID-19 mitigation.
While there will no longer be a mask requirement in place, we support guidance from health officials that mask wearing indoors decreases the spread of COVID-19. We encourage members of our community who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised or at high risk for COVID-19 complications to continue wearing a mask while indoors.
