Spring 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Protocols | Baldwin Wallace University

Updated February 5, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop the pandemic.

It’s important for everyone to continue using all of the tools available to help stop the pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others and wash your hands often.

Until enough people become immune (either from being vaccinated or by getting and recovering from COVID-19), everyone should follow the established campus COVID-19 protocols. Vaccinating as many people as possible is a very big job, and it will take months before we can consider cutting back on these basic safety practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear a mask and social distance after I get the COVID-19 vaccine?: Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help stop the pandemic. However, even after vaccination, everyone should continue to follow all the current guidance to protect themselves and others. This includes wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, following classroom and facility guidance and cleaning hands often.
Is it possible for me to infect others with COVID-19 after being vaccinated?: The primary objective of current COVID-19 vaccines is to prevent disease; studies are still ongoing as to whether they impact transmission.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?: There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long people are protected from getting COVID-19 after they have had it (natural immunity). Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed.
Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people who have gotten sick with COVID-19 should discuss vaccination with their physician.
Do I need to quarantine in the future if I have received two doses of the vaccine?: It could take up to one to two weeks after your last dose of the vaccine to have protection. After that time, because the vaccine has shown high effectiveness, we are hopeful that most people who have received two doses of the vaccine will not be required to quarantine if they were exposed to another individual with COVID-19, but we await further guidance from the CDC.
Do I need to quarantine if I'm exposed to COVID-19 between doses?: Yes, you should follow standard quarantine protocol, if you were exposed to an individual with COVID-19, as advised by state and local public health officials if you are possibly exposed between doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. It could take up to one to two weeks after your last dose of the vaccine to have protection.
Will BW be an official vaccination location?: BW has been approved to become a vaccination location, and we are waiting for vaccines to be available for use on campus.