The University community achieved it ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline for the Great SEMO Vaccine Give Away Get Away incentive program.

“I’m so proud of what our students, faculty and staff have done,” said Vargas. “Getting vaccinated protects yourself and everyone in our community. The Redhawk community has persevered and overcome many challenges during the pandemic. Last year we had to give up spring break, so I’m very happy to close the University the week of Thanksgiving as a reward for reaching this goal.” 

The University will be closed the entire week of Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 22-26. 

Additionally, the University will continue offering weekly vaccination clinics on campus where students, faculty and staff can get their first dose, second dose or booster shot. The vaccination clinics are scheduled every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through the end of the semester and the vaccines administered at each clinic can vary.

Additionally, The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center will be hosting a Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) booster vaccination clinic Nov. 1 at the Show Me Center. The free clinic is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is required online or by calling (573) 335-7846. 

Additionally, the final round of cash prize drawings for students will be Monday, Nov. 1. Students only need to submit their vaccination card once to be eligible for all drawings. If a student hasn’t submitted their proof of vaccination yet, they have until Friday, Oct. 29 to submit to be eligible for the drawing. There will be 20 $500 prizes and 20 $250 prizes for the drawing.

The Great SEMO Vaccine Give Away Get Away incentive program launched on Aug. 26, and the vaccination rate for the campus community steadily rose as the program progressed, eventually achieving the desired goal ahead of the deadline.

President Vargas announced the news to the University community in a video.