COVID-19 Vaccine

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?

DHEC's guidance for COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the agency's website. Online appointments can be made by using scdhec .gov/vaxlocator or you can call DHEC's COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at 1.866.365.8110 for help.

 

What does it mean to be up-to-date on my COVID-19 vaccine?

CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. Please check the CDC site to see if you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine.

 

I was around someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?

You do not need to quarantine, but you need to:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask such as a KN95, around others for 10 days — both indoors and outdoors;
  • Monitor your symptoms and get tested if you develop symptoms at any time; and
  • Get tested on or after day 5 following exposure. 

My roommate has tested positive for COVID-19 but has not reported this to the College. What should I do?

Please encourage your roommate to report their positive COVID case on Back on the Bricks. 

  • You do not need to quarantine.
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days — both indoors and outdoors.
  • Monitor your symptoms and get tested if you develop symptoms at any time.
  • Get tested on or after day 5 following exposure.

If you have a significant concern about student conduct, please fill out the FAST form. F.A.S.T. stands for (Faculty/Friends/Family) Assisting Students in Trouble/Share a Concern.

Who qualifies for a booster?

Please visit the CDC site for details. 

Will a COVID-19 vaccine be required of students?

Not currently. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and S.C. DHEC guidelines, the College of Charleston strongly recommends its students, faculty and staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, please note that a COVID-19 vaccination is not required for any student to enroll or an employee to work at the College of Charleston.

Is it possible the vaccine will become mandatory?

We are monitoring the state government regulations in the event the current mandate is changed. We will certainly let the campus community know if anything changes.

Is Student Health Services providing COVID-19 vaccines?

Not at this time. Please go to the Back on the Bricks website for locations to get vaccinated.

Why should I get vaccinated?

  • The COVID-19 vaccine teaches our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.
  • Getting vaccinated helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns and children under the age of 12 or people who are allergic to the vaccine.
  • For more myths and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC website.

Do employees need to take leave to get their vaccine?

Employees with vaccine appointments should coordinate with their supervisor regarding vaccine appointment times and office coverage.

Employees who get vaccinations will be required to do so during non-work hours, lunch break or coordinate with their supervisor to take leave or make up the time if appropriate.

What if I can't get vaccinated? How can I still participate in campus events?

For your health and safety, the College of Charleston strongly recommends that you wear a mask.

I am fully vaccinated and I don't feel well, what should I do?

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please seek medical assistance and evaluation by your primary care provider (PCP) to determine next steps. Examples of COVID-19 symptoms include the following.

  • Sore throat
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

You should self-quarantine until you know your status. Talk to a healthcare provider. Students can call Student Health Services at 843.953.5520 or make an appointment to be evaluated. Staff and faculty should inform their supervisors of their situation and seek medical guidance from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) before returning to work. Please visit the listing of COVID-19 test sites for locations where you can be tested.

Why is the College allowed to require other vaccines (measles, mumps, DTap, etc) but not COVID?

Yes, the College has been allowed to require vaccines for years including MMR, Tdap and Meningitis in order to prevent outbreaks of serious illness on campus; however, there is a current budget proviso (see below) at the state legislative level that prohibits any institution receiving funding from the State of S.C. to require vaccination of its students against COVID-19.

117.163. (GP: COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Restriction - Institutions) For the current fiscal year, state-supported institutions of higher learning that directly or indirectly receive funds appropriated or authorized through the general appropriations act shall be restricted from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for any student as a condition of enrollment, attendance at on campus instruction, or residence on campus. In instances of off-campus learning events for which third party program providers require proof of vaccination, the third party requirements shall apply.

Will COVID vaccine status be verified? i.e. will the College be checking for fake COVID vaccine cards?

Student Health Services has the ability to verify documentation, but we ask that our students provide valid documentation and follow our honor code.