COVID-19

THE ONE TEST IN UNI YOU DON’T WANT TO PASS The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 can take up to two weeks to trigger symptoms after exposure. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and tiredness, but others have been noted.

If you are concerned about your symptoms or suspect that you may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, you can be tested at a Vancouver Coastal Health Test Collection Centre.

GIVING IT A SHOT BC residents can register to get vaccinated online at the BC Immunization Plan website. Be sure to have your Personal Health Number — located on your BC health or driver’s license — ready. Out-of-province and international students who do not have a Personal Health Number can register to get vaccinated by phone at 1.833.838.2323 (a Personal Health Number will be created for you). This number is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Deaf students can dial 711 for support.

THE ROAD TO IMMUNITY After you register, you will be sent a confirmation number — bring this and photo ID to your appointment. Wear a mask and a short-sleeved shirt; for modesty, students may opt to be vaccinated in private. After your shot, you will need to wait 15 minutes. The whole appointment should take less than an hour. Students are encouraged to register at whichever site is most accessible. Vaccinations are encouraged, but not mandatory for students attending classes at UBC.

SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM About four weeks after your first shot, you will be contacted with an invitation to book your second dose. To register, out-of-province and international students should use the Personal Health Number that was generated when signing up for their first dose.

If you got your first dose in another province, wait four weeks and call 1.833.838.2323 to book your second jab here in BC. Bring all previous vaccination documentation with you to your appointment.

LIVING LIFE TO THE VAX! After vaccination, it will take two to three weeks for your body to build ample immunity to the novel coronavirus. Students must continue to adhere to provincial health guidelines following vaccination.

Side effects of the approved vaccines are often mild. Keep in mind that the vaccination does not cause COVID-19. Sore throat, cough and runny nose are NOT side effects of the vaccine and could be a sign of infection with the novel coronavirus. Unsure about your symptoms? Call 811 and a healthcare provider will assist you! U