We’re almost one year into the COVID-19 Pandemic and it seems like the worry about when it will end is constant.  

The COVID-19 vaccine may be a hot topic among you and friends/family, on social media, and in the news. New information emerges every day, but we do know that mask wearing, physical  distancing (six feet!), hand washing, and the COVID-19 vaccine together will help to slow the spread so we can get through this pandemic.

Before we get into the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, let’s talk about Vaccines 101

• Vaccines provide immunity to common viruses, like the Flu, Pneumonia, and chicken pox

• Vaccines prevent us from either contracting or decreasing the severity of illnesses that could be life-threatening.  

• Since childhood, many of us have received vaccines to prevent illnesses like the Chicken pox, measles, and mumps.

• Vaccines help to keep us and the people around us healthy and free from illness

Getting a “new” vaccine can be a little scary, but it is important for us to know the facts. Here’s what we know so far about the COVID-19 vaccines:

• Three are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration from Pfizer, Moderna, and the Johnson and Johnson pharmaceutical companies

• The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses within 21 or 28 days of the first shot. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires one dose.

• Although the vaccines prevent serious illness, you must continue to practice physical distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands.

One of the greatest myths is that the COVID-19 vaccine will inject us with the virus. That is UNTRUE.

• Two of the existing COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) use mRNA instead of a live weakened virus, to trigger an immune response. The Johnson and Johnson Vaccine is an adenovirus vector vaccine. 

• The immune response produces antibodies that help our bodies fight infection if the real virus enters our bodies. 

• Again, you WILL NOT be injected with the COVID-19 virus.

• The goal of the vaccine is to prevent serious illness if COVID-19 is contracted.

What to expect once you receive one of the vaccines:

• You must wait 15 minutes for the doctor/nurse to monitor an allergic reaction

• Mild symptoms (fatigue, soreness at the injection sight, dizziness, slight fever) that stop after a day or two

• Experiencing mild symptoms is a sign that your body is building immunity

Currently, vaccine distribution is happening in phases based on factors such as age, occupation, if you have pre-existing illnesses that put you at risk for contracting COVID-19. Visit your state health department’s website for more information about your eligibility.  

Remember to wear your mask (double up if you choose), wash your hands frequently, and practice physical distancing. Quarantine and get tested if you begin to show symptoms. Be sure to visit UMBC’s COVID-19 response website for more resources. 

Together we will get through this pandemic!

The life of a student trying to survive the pandemic, maintaining some sort of social life, getting your work done, and missing the closeness of family and friends can be really hard. Virtual learning and sitting in front of a screen all day may not have been what you imagined your college experience to be. If you are having some difficulty in managing your stress, school work, and social life, here are a few tips to help to reduce your stress.

If you are missing friends and family:

• Schedule regular check-ins, a phone call or virtually, to find out what’s going on in their lives

• Host a virtual movie or game night with lots of snacks

• Text or call a friend/family member when they cross your mind

If the stress of everything is getting to you, try some of these stress relievers

• Meditation to calm your mind (the calm app)

• Listen to your favorite music

• Take a break and watch your favorite tv show or movie

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity to boost the feel good hormones 

• Print out some coloring book sheets or use a coloring app

• Take a social media break for a few hours or even a few days

Zoom Fatigue is real! It’s normal to feel exhausted at the thought of logging in. Here are a few tips to help you make it through a day of class

• Get some fresh air and sunlight between classes

• Take a break from all of your screens (phone, tablet, gaming system, television)

• Make sure you are well rested before class starts

• Keep some energizing snacks nearby

If you are having trouble with getting your work done 

• Reach out to the Academic Success Center for tutoring resources and the writing center

• Try the Pomodoro technique:

• pick one task/assignment 

• set your timer for 20-30 minutes

• work nonstop until the timer goes off

• take a 5 minute break

• reset your timer

• repeat until you’re happy with your progress

• Ask your professors and TAs for help

Wearing a mask is a critical step in reducing the spread of COVID-19. There are several new variants, or mutations, of the virus that may complicate our fight to end the pandemic. Mutations are common and will continue to happen as long as the virus spreads among us, so it is still important for us to take every precaution to protect ourselves and others.

A few concerns about the new strains are:

• some new strains could have the ability to reinfect people who survived COVID-19 

• the variants could be more contagious (spread faster) than the strain most common in the U.S.

• And if the vaccines will remain as effective against the new variants in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the population

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages wearing TWO masks for additional protection against the new strains of COVID-19.  

• Wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask (do notwear two disposable masks)

• The masks should fit snugly on your mouth, cheeks, and chin with no openings/gaps

• At least one mask should have a metal nose wire

• Only wear one KN95 mask at a time. 

If you already have difficulty breathing in a mask, before you double mask maybe try walking around your home with both to assess your comfort level.

Mask Hygiene

If you wear disposable masks, then throw them away after every use. Wash or sanitize your hands each and every time your mask is removed or adjusted.

For cloth/reusable masks

• Store your clean and/or dry masks in a paper bag between uses

• If your mask is dirty, then store it in a plastic bag until it is time to wash it

• Wash your mask in the washing machine or by hand with warm water and laundry detergent

• Place in the dryer or fully air dry before the next use

In the meantime, double mask, wash your hands, and social distance to keep yourself and others safe! Remember, do not share your mask with others.

If you have questions about the pandemic, visit these reputable resources:

• Dear Pandemic: COVID-19 

• Retriever Ready: COVID-19 Response 

• Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Maryland State Health Department