Originally published in the print edition on Oct. 8; updated Nov. 20. Please note that the deadline to receive student incentives has been extended to December 9, 2021.
To protect the health and safety of the college, students are being offered a cash incentive to get vaccinated while college employees are being require to disclose their current vaccine status.
Students who notify the college of their vaccination status by Friday, Oct. 15 are eligible to receive $100 in campus cash. Students who receive the vaccine after that date will be eligible to show their vaccinated status until Nov. 15. Additionally, college employees are required to provide their vaccine status to the college by Friday Oct. 15, this deadline includes requests for religious or medical accommodation.
Notifications by both students and employees will need to be submitted through the Viewpoint notification system. More information on this process can be found at matc.edu/coronavirus.
Since the start of the pandemic, the college has adjusted its health and safety practices several times. Decisions by college leadership has been aided with numerous sources of information including updated guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
As the Delta variant continues to impact the country, data provided by the Wisconsin Hospital Association shows an increase in hospitalization in the state.
From low of 79 COVID-19 patients on July 5 to 1,162 as of Friday October 8. The number represents the highest hospitalization point since December 24, 2020. Of the number hospitalized, 307 are in intensive care, an increase of 123 patients from a month ago.
The MATC community has had access to vaccinations and testing since prior to the start of the semester. Free walk-in clinics are being held throughout the Fall semester to urge people to learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccines developed to help combat the virus.
Leading the charge of education, dissemination of information, and public events has been the college’s Public Health Officer, Josie Veal, Ph.D.
“MATC wants to encourage members of the community, students and staff to get the vaccine to keep everyone safe and healthy,” said Veal. “This is especially important as the more contagious Delta variant has caused a surge in Wisconsin.”
One of the college’s previous clinic was held outdoors in the plaza of the student center building. North Shore Pharmacy partnered with the event.
The pharmacy’s pharmacist and owner Dr. Kyle Beyer administered the vaccine to individuals looking to be vaccinated. Others took advantage of the public event by not only getting vaccinated but also asking questions.
According to Veal the two most asked questions of the day included the following:
- How long do I have to wait till I can get my second dose?
Veal: Three weeks.
- Where will my vaccine information be uploaded if I lose my card?
Veal: Northshore pharmacy will enter your vaccine information into the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. If you received your vaccination in Wisconsin, you can access and print your entire vaccination record using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) www.dhfswir.org. Your WIR record can be used in place of your vaccination card.
More information visit the college’s website at: matc.edu/coronavirus
Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
Wednesday, October 27 at Oak Creek
Room A114
From 1 – 4 p.m. (Pfizer only)
Thursday, October 28 – Education Center at Walker’s Square
Room 488
From 3 – 6 p.m.
Registration conducted onsite
Tuesday, November 9 at Downtown
Room M605
From 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Next:
Tuesday, November 30 at Downtown
Room M605
From 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For more information including incentives for students go to :
Matc.edu/coronavirus