UWM reports 70% of students are fully vaccinated

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Seventy percent of students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) have been full vaccinated, the school announced Thursday, Sept. 16. 

The effort was set forth by the UW System's "70 for 70" campaign, making its vaccinated students eligible to win $7,000 in scholarships. 

UWM is the third UW System campus to reach the 70 percent goal, along with UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire. UW-Madison also reported high vaccination rates but is not part of the 70 for 70 campaign. 

In a news release, UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said vaccinations are key to keeping the UWM community safe and having the best college experience possible.

“We’re thrilled that more than 70% of our students have gotten fully vaccinated,” Mone said. “As we know, this pandemic has taken us all on a long road, and we need to keep going. We are going to push our vaccination rates even higher in the coming weeks. “I commend our students for the strength and resiliency they have shown during the last year and a half. And I am especially proud of the responsible actions our students have taken to decrease COVID-19 cases and keep our campuses safe, open and vibrant.”

UW System students enrolled for fall 2021 were able to report their COVID-19 vaccination via their UW campus portal. The deadline was Oct. 15. 

Meantime, UWM has been encouraging students to get vaccinated with the “It’s Worth a Shot” campaign, with ongoing messaging and incentives. Students who report being vaccinated are eligible to win prizes including 10 laptops, Brewers tickets, Summerfest tickets, gift cards and other prizes. Drawings for these prizes will continue into October.

Students can get vaccinated in the community or on campus at clinics operated with the Milwaukee Health Department, or by making an appointment at the Norris Health Center. Students who do not get vaccinated must get tested every week for COVID-19.