With the state expanding vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older on April 19, UMass Dartmouth is encouraging the campus community to book their shots as soon as possible.

In a letter addressed to university students and faculty, Director of Health Services Marianne Sullivan noted that in order to “ensure the continued health and safety of our campus community,” UMass Dartmouth expects all members of its community to be vaccinated before the upcoming fall semester.

“The science is clear that vaccination is the best way to stop Covid-19 from spreading and our best way to continue protecting each other’s wellbeing,” Sullivan wrote. “I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to keep themselves and their friends, family, co-workers, and community members safe. It has been a difficult time, but we are surely nearing the end of the pandemic.”

After staff and students get their shots, everyone on campus is still required to follow health and safety protocols like wearing face coverings, social distancing, and participating in the university’s on-campus asymptomatic surveillance testing program.

To preregister for a vaccine, visit VaccineSignUp.mass.gov. Once you are preregistered, you will be notified when you can schedule an appointment at seven locations across the state, including the former Circuit City in Dartmouth and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

You can also use VaxFinder.mass.gov to find an appointment at nearby retail pharmacies and community health centers.