Oct. 1 Safe Return update

Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19

We continue to offer vaccination clinics on the Duluth Kenwood Campus and see our student vaccination numbers increase. As a reminder, our COVID-19 Case and Vaccination Dashboard is updated on a weekly basis and can be found in my.CSS. Our final scheduled COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the Duluth Kenwood Campus will be held on:

Monday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Somers Hall Main Lounge. Janssen/Johnson and Johnson (one-shot series), Moderna (two-shot series) and Pfizer (two-shot series) vaccinations will be available.

Sign up is available here: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/reg/5369590421, and walk-ins are also accepted.

Friday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Somers Hall Main Lounge. Both the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson (one-shot series), and Pfizer (two-shot series) vaccinations will be available. Sign up is available here: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/pYOBjc, and walk-ins are also available.

In addition to first and second doses, both clinics will be offering booster doses to eligible Minnesotans who have received the Pfizer vaccine. Acceptable forms of physical proof of vaccination status to receive a booster include:

an original CDC COVID-19 vaccination card, or
a paper or electronic copy of a CDC COVID-19 vaccination card, or
if vaccinated in another country, then an original or copy of an alternative official vaccination record, as proof of FDA- or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccination status.

Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster shot at least six months after their initial series, based on CDC guidance:

people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster;
people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster;
people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster; and
people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting (e.g., frontline medical workers, teachers, and first responders) may receive a booster.

The list of medical conditions categorized as high risk by the CDC is available at People with Certain Medical Conditions. Minnesotans with an underlying medical condition are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether a booster is right for them.

If you are not able to attend one of the on campus clinics, you are also encouraged to use the Vaccination Connector to find sites near you.

Athletics updates

We recently celebrated a historic milestone: sophomore Calvin Boone, a member of our men’s cross country team, was just named the College’s first MIAC Athlete of the Week. Congratulations to him and our cross country coaches on this amazing achievement!

CSS Band performs for Benedictine Living Community

Earlier this week, director of bands Michael Buck and his students performed for the residents of the BLC, an intergenerational celebration on our Duluth Campus. Thank you to Dr. Buck for sharing the joy of music with our neighbors.

I hope you have a marvelous weekend and take time to enjoy the gorgeous fall colors — such a special time of year! Stay well and be safe,

Barbara