Notification to Student Health Service EmployeesAs announced last week, the University and UHealth are quickly finalizing a plan for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available. The vaccine will be distributed in phases based on the quantity received and an employee’s risk of exposure, as determined by state regulations.
Vaccination is optional, however, to assist in planning for vaccine distribution, employees must indicate in Workday whether or not they would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Tomorrow, log in to Workday and click on the COVID-19 vaccine banner at the top to indicate whether or not you would like to receive the vaccine. Your response is necessary to ensure that you are scheduled to receive it according to the appropriate distribution phase and availability.
If you respond “yes,” you will be placed in the scheduling system and receive a message to schedule an appointment during the appropriate phase. If you respond “no,” you will not be scheduled to receive the vaccine and we can offer it to others who are interested.
Members of the University’s Student Health Service should indicate whether or not they would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Workday by Monday, Dec. 14.
The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory and you will have the ability to update your response in Workday if you change your mind.
Frequently asked questions are below with additional information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for University of Miami employees? No, the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory. We encourage you to take advantage of the vaccine when it becomes available, to protect yourself and the people around you.
Can I change my preference for receiving the vaccine once I declare? Yes, you can update your preference in Workday. However, if you select no and then change to yes, the timing of distribution of your vaccine may be delayed. If you select yes and then change to no, you will be removed from the scheduling system.
When will the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine be available? We are still waiting for specific details from the state, but we expect to receive the first batch of doses in two weeks. We do not know how many doses we will receive.
How will I know when I am eligible for the vaccine? Once you select your preference in Workday and you meet the requirement for the appropriate phase, you will receive an email prompting you to schedule your appointment. Managers will also be alerted when their employees’ phases are open.
Do I need to make an appointment? Yes, you will receive an email prompting you to schedule your appointment. The email will be sent to your University of Miami email address.
Will all employees be able to get the vaccine? How about students? Following federal and state guidelines, we have established a phased plan to distribute the vaccine, beginning with employees who care for or work around COVID-19 patients, moving to other high-risk populations, faculty, staff, students, and ultimately the general community. The timing is still unknown, but we expect it will take several months to receive enough vaccine for all phases.
I understand some of the vaccines require two doses. How will the second dose of the vaccine be scheduled? Your appointment for your second dose will be made at the same time you receive your first dose. In order for the vaccine to be effective, it is critical that you receive both doses.
Is the vaccine safe? The vaccine is being released by the Food and Drug Administration under an Emergency Use Authorization, which means that it has been evaluated and shown to be safe and effective. The FDA is reviewing the safety and efficacy data from the first vaccine candidate to determine whether to grant Emergency Use Authorization. To gain approval, any vaccine will have been tested in at least 30,000 people, scientifically showing that it is indeed safe and efficacious against the coronavirus. If you have any questions whether you should take the vaccine, please contact your health care provider.
What if I am pregnant or nursing? We do not recommend the vaccine during pregnancy or for nursing mothers due to the lack of information in this group. It is recommended not to get pregnant for two months after the second injection.
Where can I find more information on the safety, eligibility, and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine? Because details of the vaccines are continually updated, comprehensive information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
If I get the vaccine will I still need to wear a mask? Yes, measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus remain extremely important since it will likely be many months before a significant number of people have received the vaccine. Wear a mask at all times, stay at least six feet away from other people, continue to wash your hands frequently, and avoid large gatherings. Public health experts strongly recommend that you avoid traveling as well. |
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