COVID Vaccine Clinics and SHIELD Testing at IVCC
January 27, 2022
IVCC offers the SHIELD IL COVID-19 saliva testing on campus for both students and employees on several days throughout the week. It is offered in the cafeteria on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 2-7 p.m. and on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Testing is free of charge, takes about 10-15 minutes and the person will get results within 24 hours of the sample reaching the lab.
Any students, student athletes and employees can make an appointment by following a few simple steps found at https://www.ivcc.edu/covid19/shield.php or contacting Vice President of Student Services [email protected] for more information.
Free COVID vaccine clinics are also available at IVCC. The next vaccination and booster clinic is scheduled for Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in CTC 124. Individuals 18 and older can receive the Moderna and Johsnon & Johnson vaccines as well as Pfizer and Moderna booster shots. Also available will be the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is recommended for those 12 and older. Walk-ins are welcomed, but registering in advance is encouraged.
After talking with several students on the pros and cons of the SHIELD testing these were some of their thoughts and comments. Lauren Philips, a freshman and softball player at IVCC states, “Having the SHIELD testing available to students, staff and the public helps the Illinois Valley stop the spread of COVID. Being an athlete, we are required to test every week to be eligible to play. Having this option available helps me protect myself, my team and fellow students from COVID-19.” Lauren does feel that a downside of getting a positive test would be the possibility of shutting down your team and not being able to participate.
Paige Champlin, a sophomore and basketball player comments, “The thing I like about it is that it is a saliva test, so nothing has to be put up my nose. I also like that you get results in 24 hours or less.” She also said that it does not take long to do and being able to access the results on her phone is a plus. Paige’s only negative thoughts were that it needs a large amount of saliva to fill the vial and because of that sometimes tests can be inconclusive. Also remembering not to eat or drink an hour before the test can be difficult, Paige stated.
Aubrey Garretson, a freshman in the IVCC symphony, also commented that the test requires a large amount of salvia, but she feels that the tests are important in order to keep IVCC classes in-person. The most common thought among students is that they want to get back to normal and if they have to take the SHIELD test to do this, they will participate.
COVID-19 reminders for this spring semester per the Governor’s order include the following: in-person students must be fully vaccinated or will need to submit to the weekly testing. To be exempt from testing, photos of vaccine cards must be submitted to [email protected]. Any questions can be directed to Kimber King at [email protected].
