Contest: ‘Vax 4 Maryland’ to Win $250 Gift Card; Health Center to Host Vaccination Clinic July 7-8

The University of Maryland is launching a weekly contest this month to encourage Terps to get vaccinated against COVID-19–and to reward those who already are.

Every Friday from July 9 to 30, “Vax 4 Maryland” champions will have the opportunity to win a $250 University Book Center gift card.

To qualify for the weekly drawing, participants must confirm their vaccination status at return.umd.edu and encourage other Terps to get vaccinated via social media using the #Vax4Maryland hashtag and posting an image or video. A student and faculty/staff winner will be selected each Friday, and the individuals will be contacted to learn how to redeem their gift card.

The university is also participating in the White House’s and U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, which invites colleges and universities around the country to pledge to help end the pandemic by becoming vaccine champions, engaging with their communities and providing ease of vaccine access.

These efforts are part of UMD’s preparation for the Fall 2021 semester, when COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all students, faculty and staff returning to campus, as announced by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman.

To meet the requirement, you must receive your second Pfizer or Moderna shot or only Johnson & Johnson shot no later than Aug. 2. Those who choose Moderna may have to receive their first dose no later than July 6. The University Health Center is offering Pfizer vaccine appointments to all students, faculty and staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 7 and 8.

UMD will comply with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemptions for medical or religious reasons. These exemptions can be requested here. Vaccine information for students arriving from outside the United States is available from the University Health Center.