This week’s message includes information about Illinois State University vaccination clinics, vaccine eligibility and the 2021-22 academic year, clinic details, second dose vaccination clinics, new COVID-19 testing hours, and guidance for those who are fully vaccinated.
Visit Illinois State University’s Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Questions can be emailed to coronavirus@ilstu.edu.
Illinois State University vaccination clinics
Illinois State University is collaborating with the McLean County Health Department to provide on-campus vaccination clinics for Illinois State students, faculty, and staff who are eligible under the IDPH vaccination distribution plan.
Learn more about clinic dates and REGISTER for a vaccine appointment.
Students and employees are encouraged to seek additional opportunities for vaccination as on-campus clinics are limited based on vaccine availability. In addition to clinics held on-campus, learn more about McLean County Health Department and statewide vaccination clinics. Several local pharmacies are also providing vaccinations. There is no requirement that students and employees be vaccinated on campus.
Vaccine eligibility and the 2021-22 academic year
Governor J.B. Pritzker recently announced that higher education staff, among other groups, became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, March 22. In addition, anyone 16 and older will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, April 12.
With this information, the University continues its planning for a return to a traditional campus experience next year with students taking face-to-face classes, living in on-campus housing, and participating in in-person events and activities. “Information coming from public health officials continues to be positive with all indicators pointing in the right direction. I continue to be very optimistic about the progress that will be made in the next several weeks,” said President Larry Dietz.
Read the press release to learn more about this change to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.
Clinic details
At this time, it is anticipated that there will be one clinic per week (currently on Thursdays), staffed by an 18-person Illinois National Guard team for members of the University community. The number of clinics offered may change based on vaccine availability. Clinics will continue to be located in the Bone Student Center.
Individuals must show their Redbird ID Card upon arrival to the clinic and be an eligible Illinois State University student or employee to receive a vaccine at an on-campus location. While participation is not required, all employees are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Illinois State University remains in constant contact with the McLean County Health Department (MCHD) regarding vaccine availability for the campus community. MCHD determines when and how much vaccine the University receives based on the distribution of vaccines from the state and need at the University which is based on guidance from IDPH.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and on-campus vaccination clinics by reading the FAQs on the Coronavirus website.
Second dose vaccination clinics
Individuals who have received a first dose vaccine at an on-campus vaccination clinic from January – March 19, will receive a prenotification email at their ilstu email from Student Health Services. Information about how to sign up for a second dose will be included in the email.
Going forward, individuals who participate in on-campus clinics that are staffed by the Illinois National Guard will make their second dose appointment at the clinic. Student Health Services will have very limited involvement in clinics staffed by the Illinois National Guard; therefore, an email will not be sent by Student Health Services to individuals participating in Illinois National Guard vaccination clinics.
New COVID-19 testing hours
Antigen testing for asymptomatic students and employees will be available Monday – Friday at the following times and locations:
- 9 a.m. – Noon, Former fire station at 604 N. Adelaide St., Normal
- 1 – 4 p.m., Temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall
Students and employees are encouraged to participate in bi-weekly COVID-19 testing. Only individuals being tested should enter a testing center.
Students experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms or who believe that they were exposed to a person with COVID-19 should contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for direction regarding quarantine and/or to schedule an initial screening and make an appointment to be tested. Symptomatic employees should contact their healthcare provider for testing or to make an appointment.
PCR COVID-19 testing remains available for students, faculty, and staff at the Interstate Center testing site, which has recently reduced days of operation due to changes in public demand. Students testing at this site should share positive test results with Student Health Services by uploading them to the Secure Patient Health Portal. Sharing test results will ensure students have proper documentation for classes, housing, and/or employment.
Visit the Student Health Services website for the most up-to-date information about testing.
Guidance for those who are fully vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shared that there is more to learn about how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as the coronavirus vaccine becomes more widely available, it is important to be aware of updated public health guidance. The CDC has released new guidance regarding appropriate precautions for those who are fully vaccinated. Visit the CDC website to learn more.
Illinois State University continues to follow the public health guidance as described in the Governor’s Restore Illinois plan. Expectations for the use of face coverings and physical distancing on campus have not changed.
