Free COVID-19 Testing Still Encouraged Regardless Of Vaccination Status

A Message from Texas A&M University

May 5, 2021

COVID-19 testing remains a critical weapon in stopping the spread of the virus.

This means that all students, faculty and staff coming to campus should consider continuing to get the quick and free test on a regular basis until health officials determine it’s no longer necessary.

Texas A&M School of Public Health Dean Shawn Gibbs, whose expertise is in the disruption of highly infectious diseases, said we can’t become complacent even though we’re near completion of the spring semester.

“TAMU analyses of sewage from several points around the campus have revealed an increase in the amount of virus,” Gibbs said. “At the same time, fewer students and employees are testing for COVID-19 than ever before. Our experts suggest that the most likely explanation is the presence of individuals on campus who have COVID-19 but are not aware they are infected. These individuals could be infectious and could spread virus to others.”

To protect yourself and others, Gibbs and his colleagues strongly recommend the following:

• If you are not already vaccinated, take a COVID-19 test as soon as possible, and
• Continue to be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks and definitely prior to travel.
• Vaccinated individuals also benefit from testing. If they are part of the smaller percentage of individuals who may become infected post-vaccination, then they may contribute to spreading virus, as they are likely to have no to mild symptoms and may not be aware they are infected.

Vaccines are safe, free to the recipient, widely available and effective at preventing COVID-19.

The best available protection strategy against COVID-19 is for you to be vaccinated as soon as possible. The Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available through Student Health Services. The Moderna vaccine is available through the Texas A&M Get Vaxxed research study. See www.preventCovidU.org* or email GetVaxxed@tamu.edu.

* This link is no longer active and has been removed.