Below, for your reference, is the full text of President Julio Frenk’s video message (above) to the University of Miami community.
As part of our response to COVID-19, students, faculty, and staff on all campuses will be required to receive the seasonal flu vaccine this fall, as has been the case on the Medical Campus for many years. We are making the flu shot a University-wide requirement for three important reasons.
First, during a global pandemic, we need to ensure that our health care resources are available to treat those who might need care; reducing demand for health care due to flu will help.
Second, symptoms for the seasonal flu are similar to those for COVID-19, which would complicate our testing, tracking, and tracing efforts.
Finally, we do not yet know how these two diseases—the seasonal flu and COVID-19—will interact. Let’s use the safe and effective vaccine we do have to protect ourselves and each other against one disease as we continue to devise solutions to the other.
I encourage everyone to comply with this requirement, whether you are currently coming to campus or you are continuing to work and study remotely. Flu vaccines are available now, by appointment. In fact, I just received my seasonal flu shot.
Additional information, including flu shot locations and frequently asked questions can be found online at coronavirus.miami.edu/flushot.
Let us continue to work together to stay safe and healthy. |
