Coronavirus Prevention: How to Avoid Infection

Make an Appointment

434.297.4829

Getting the COVID vaccine is the best way to keep you and everyone around you safe. Even if you don't have any symptoms, if infected, you can spread the virus to others.

Where to Get the COVID Vaccine at UVA Health

Anyone over age 6 months can get vaccinated. These locations offer the COVID vaccine, including 3rd doses and booster shots:

You can also contact your local clinic for more information about available vaccines.

If you have had a COVID-19 vaccine dose, bring your vaccination record with you.

Use MyChart or call 434.297.4829 to schedule your shot.

Looking for a 3rd Dose?

Immunocompromised people qualify to get a 3rd dose of the COVID vaccine. Cancer, organ transplants, stem cell transplants, and other conditions or treatments can weaken your immune system. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you qualify for a 3rd dose.

We follow the Center for Disease Control's guidance on giving the COVID-19 vaccine to immunocompromised people.

Questions? Read our COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.

Preventing COVID: Steps You Can Take

COVID-19 spreads easily between people. Along with getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and others by:

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

The coronavirus spreads through saliva droplets. You can inhale infected droplets when:

Droplets of saliva get in the air when someone near to you talks, coughs, or sneezes
Saliva droplets with coronavirus land on your nose, mouth, or eyes

Feeling Sick? Stay Home

If you have these symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Stay home and call your provider or clinic for next steps.

Other possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle aches, headache, or body aches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Get Checked

Find a COVID testing location near you.

Clean & Disinfect

Disinfect surfaces you touch frequently, like counter tops and door handles, as often as you can.

Stay Healthy

Get vaccinated for other illnesses. It's not too late to get the flu or pneumonia vaccine. These don't prevent coronavirus, but they can keep you safe from other illnesses that would make a COVID infection worse. Call your provider to find out if this is an option for you.

Stay active. Get regular exercise. Go for walks, get in a run, or do yoga in the sun. As long as you stay away from other people, you can go outside. This helps keep your immune system healthy.