No more than two small shots is all it takes to make a tremendous difference.

The University of Houston-Downtown is encouraging all faculty, staff and students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in effort to stem the spread of the virus. Now, a public awareness campaign titled “Don’t Miss Your Shot – To Keep UHD Safe” is under way to remind the Gator Community of the importance of vaccination. This messaging campaign is the next evolution of the University’s “Cover Your Face – Not Your Determination” campaign, which started in Summer 2020.

The current campaign underscores that receiving the vaccine can protect lives and makes the ongoing return to campus safer for Gators.

“The idea behind this campaign is that it is both a safe and responsible action to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Shots are available, convenient, and, most importantly, a necessary step in moving beyond this health crisis,” says Cynthia Vargas, Director of UHD’s Department of Emergency Management and Fire Safety. “We want to remind everyone that now is the time to make the choice to protect their health, which thereby safeguards the community too.”

Artwork and messaging about vaccination will be seen around campus on printed signs, television and computer screens, digital billboards and social media accounts.

As COVID-19 vaccines become more readily available, UHD Community members are advised to get vaccinated by their primary healthcare providers or sign up for an appointment at one of the Houston area's vaccine hubs.

Veterans of all ages can now receive the vaccine through the Houston Veterans Affairs office. No registration is necessary for veterans who are already enrolled at the office to receive the shot at the VA’s drive-through and walk-in events this week. Appointments are still available by calling 713-794-8985. Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that all adults in Texas will qualify to receive any available coronavirus vaccines as of March 29.

Since the vaccine is not a 100 percent guarantee of protection, all UHD Community members are urged to not only follow campus protocols, but also adhere to other recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention such as wearing masks in public, washing hands frequently and avoiding large crowds.

To stay updated on how UHD is responding to the pandemic, visit the COVID-19 website.