COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
This is our first newsletter of 2021, and a lot is happening. We have begun rolling out vaccinations for COVID-19 and classes for the spring semester begin January 25. You will find more information on both topics in this newsletter, and we will communicate any new developments to you as we did in the fall.
Thank you again for all of your efforts to follow safety guidelines last semester and now, with vaccines in play, we can imagine a brighter future. We have vaccinated our frontline health care providers and support staff including students in the health professions, and those on our campuses at risk because of contact with COVID-19 infected individuals. We have been following all state and federal guidelines for vaccine distribution as well as the ethical principles as put forth by the National Academy of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—prioritizing them based on
CDC risk criteria.
We fully expect to give a COVID-19 vaccination to everyone in our UM community and to our UHealth patients who would like one, but please realize that we are dependent on the government distribution of the vaccine. Keep in mind that everyone must still wear masks, practice physical distancing and wash hands until enough people have been vaccinated.
During this challenging and historical time on our campuses in the fall, we met new friends, made lasting memories, and protected each other. And we will do it again this spring.
I hope everyone was able to recharge over Winter break and wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. As always, I am here to answer questions and offer support. |
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19
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COVID VACCINATIONAs mentioned above, we began vaccinating our frontline health care workers who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients, UHealth patients 65 and older with risk criteria, and we have opened up vaccination to faculty and staff over 65 with risk-criteria and staff involved in caring for students in isolation and quarantine.
As more vaccine becomes available in the coming months, we will offer the vaccine to more people, including students, spouses and other family members. This phased approach follows the established federal and state guidelines.
RETURN TO WORK FOLLOWING TRAVEL REMINDER For our faculty and staff who traveled over the holidays, please remember that you must be tested before returning to campus or to class. The CDC and Florida’s Department of Health cautions against domestic and international travel, particularly during the current surge. Faculty and staff should review the Return to Onsite Work policy.
All students will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before attending any in-person programs or classes on any campus. Click here for more information.
Faculty and staff should call 305-243-ONE-U to schedule a testing appointment; those on the Medical Campus should call 305-243-8378.
COVID VACCINE FAQs People understandably have many questions regarding the vaccine. We will try to include a few FAQs with each newsletter.
Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine does not inject the virus into your body. It injects mRNA which gives instructions for your cells to make a protein unique to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The cells of your immune system respond to this protein making antibodies which then fight off the virus that causes COVID-19.
If I received the vaccine, do I still need to complete the daily symptom tracker?
Yes. All employees need to complete the daily symptom tracker until notified otherwise. The vaccine process will take time, and we need to ensure we are protecting our patients and each other.
Will I be billed for the COVID-19 vaccine?
No, there is no charge or co-payment to receive the vaccine at this time. It is free.
If I had COVID should I get the vaccine?
Yes, if you have had COVID more than 90 days ago it is recommended to get the vaccination. |
SPRING SEMESTER COVID-19 TESTINGStudents are required to test negative for COVID-19 before returning to campus. You can find more information about when to get tested here. Faculty and staff who traveled over the winter break must also test negative before returning to campus. Please remember to limit your activity as you wait for your results.
Once the semester starts, students will be required to take a COVID-19 test at least once every week through the UScreen Testing Initiative. Health/medical students will be randomly invited to be tested on the medical campus. Surveillance testing will also continue for staff and faculty.
COVID VARIANTS You may have heard about the COVID-19 variants that were found in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and now in the U.S. It is not uncommon for coronaviruses to mutate. What makes these variants concerning is that it appears that they are more transmissible, which means that it is easier to spread the virus even when asymptomatic. On a positive note, research thus far indicates that the United Kingdom variant does not cause more severe disease, and the vaccines we have should still be effective. Another positive – you already know how to keep the variant from spreading. Just stay vigilant about masking, keeping at least six feet of distance from others, and wash your hands regularly with warm water for at least 20 seconds. |
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONSEvery year on January 1 people resolve to change for the better. Some decide to exercise more or eat healthier; others resolve to stay committed to their resolution for more than one month. And, by all means, I wholly support those things.
However, I propose a special resolution, and I challenge you to keep it for the rest of the semester. This year let’s commit to being kinder, more thoughtful, less impatient with others and ourselves. We are all feeling “COVID fatigue,” and with the vaccine, you may be tempted to cut corners. But, if you always have your fellow ‘Canes best interests in mind, you will make the right decision every time.
Let’s all stay healthy and safe this semester. |
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University's COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are a student in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPPA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
If you are a faculty or staff members in need of support visit fsap.miami.edu. |
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