M&T Bank Stadium Mass Vaccination Site Promotes ‘University Days’ May 1 Through May 8

Baltimore mass vaccination center makes vaccination slots available for students, faculty and staff at Maryland's colleges and career training schools

There's an easy way for all who are affiliated with Maryland's higher education and career training schools to get vaccinated before summer officially kicks off. The M&T Bank Stadium Mass Vaccination Site is reserving a block of appointments for these individuals every day between May 1 and May 8, from 8 am to 4 pm. The site, a partnership between University of Maryland Medical System, the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland National Guard, and the Maryland Stadium Authority, is one of numerous vaccination sites participating in the "University Days" vaccine campaign by the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

To qualify for a "University Days" vaccination slot at M&T Bank Stadium Mass Vaccination Site, one can be an existing or rising student, faculty member or employee with any private or public college or career training school. Maryland has opened up vaccination eligibility to all residents 16 and over; however, those who are under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive a vaccination.

"With 'No Arm Left Behind' initiatives such as University Days, we're making it as convenient as possible for Marylanders to get vaccines," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. "The more students who get vaccinated, the more we can limit the spread of COVID-19, so we encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to protect themselves, loved ones, and friends."

"This is another great example of how Maryland is working together to provide new and innovative ways to protect our campus communities from being exposed to, or responsible for spreading, the virus," Maryland Higher Education Secretary Dr. James D. Fielder said.

How to secure a ";University Days" vaccine appointment

Getting vaccinated is simpler than ever now that supply has opened up. To secure a "University Days" appointment, schedule an appointment online at www.umms.org/SchoolVax or by phone at 410-779-9507. Walk-up vaccinations with no appointment necessary are also available from 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week except for Baltimore Orioles daytime/afternoon game dates.

"It's a relief to get the vaccine and socialize with friends again. Before we were able to get vaccinated, my roommates and I really limited where we went and who we were around. People are just more comfortable hanging out with friends who have gotten vaccinated," said Joshua Kotz, a senior at University of Maryland at College Park. Kotz added he is looking forward to attending Orioles games again this season now that he is vaccinated.

Kyle Deen, also a student at University of Maryland at College Park, and Chair of the Maryland Higher Education Commission's Student Advisory Council, commented: "Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is essential to returning to normal and protecting our communities as we move through the next stages of this pandemic."

Jason Marx, MD, site commander at the M&T Bank Stadium Mass Vaccination Site, urged students and employees to take advantage of easy access to appointments during "University Days."

"Getting vaccinated on the club level of an NFL stadium is a unique experience—and fast and easy here. We look forward to welcoming our state's students and school employees during this special week at the site," said Dr. Marx, who is also a critical care specialist and physician leader at University of Maryland Medical System.

Public transit to the stadium includes a Light Rail stop right at M&T Bank Stadium. For directions and additional information, visit umms.org/StadiumVax.

The M&T Bank Stadium Mass Vaccination Site is one of Maryland's largest vaccination sites and one of 20 NFL stadiums that have been repurposed as vaccination sites to help end the COVID pandemic. It has received worldwide attention as an example of America's successful vaccination initiative. To date, over 200,000 people have been vaccinated at the site.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state's future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system's more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.