MCC Daily Tribune

Where to Find Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines and Safety Protocols

While COVID-19 vaccines are being administered across the U.S., local and national medical experts recommend maintaining the practice of wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing to help lower your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.

Medical experts and public health officials say more time is needed to fully understand the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change current health and safety guidelines. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision.

Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines and safety protocols can be found on New York State’s and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s websites:

New York: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/frequently-asked-questions-0

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

CDC’s guide on wearing masks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

The Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub website is also a reliable source of information: https://flvaccinehub.org/.

While we strongly encourage you to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination to protect yourself, your family and our community, SUNY and MCC do not require immunization. Even after you have received the vaccine, you will be expected to adhere to all aspects of our SUNY-approved Winter/Spring Semester 2021 Plan and all health and safety protocols, including participating in weekly COVID-19 pooled testing, wearing a mask, socially distancing, and washing your hands often. Immunity is not guaranteed after vaccination and vaccinated individuals may still be able to infect others; therefore, weekly testing during the semester is still required following vaccination.

Tony Perez
Public Safety

and

Jacqueline Carson
Health Services
02/08/2021