COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
As we near the end of our spring semester and more people are getting vaccinated, we are starting to imagine a life that more closely resembles our pre-pandemic world. Still, we know there are a lot of unknowns. And that is also part of our new normal.
Many people are looking ahead with hope and questions. How long will the vaccines protect us? Will we need booster shots? If so, when? The fact is we don’t know the answers to these questions. Physicians and researchers around the world are asking the same questions and closely following the data.
The vaccine makers are already exploring booster shots. They’re conducting clinical trials in children and learning more each day about the longevity of the vaccines’ efficacy. Just as we have throughout this pandemic, we must let the science dictate our actions.
We continue to strongly encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated so we can begin to return to what was our pre-pandemic life as quickly and safely as possible. However, we know many people are still hesitant. With that in mind, we have planned a town hall to address questions about the vaccines. It will be held this Tuesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. and is open to all members of the University community.
With everyone’s help, we’ll achieve success, keeping our ‘Canes community and surrounding friends and family safe.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
FULLY-VACCINATED PEOPLE CAN DO MOREWouldn’t it be nice to have lunch at an outdoor café with all your friends and not have to worry about being masked? The CDC now says that if you are fully vaccinated, you may safely do this. You can also spend time outdoors unmasked except in crowded settings. Please note, however, that mask use on all campuses continues to be mandatory for the time being.
Remember, fully vaccinated means that it has been at least two weeks since you have had your second shot if you received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or at least two weeks since you had the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
This is just one more sign that we are on the right track to getting back to normal as long as we all get vaccinated as soon as we have the opportunity. If you have not done so, visit vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you.
If you’ve been vaccinated outside UHealth—and particularly if you’ve been vaccinated outside the state of Florida—please be sure to upload your COVID-19 vaccine card to your MyUHealthChart account. It’s an important step to keep your medical record updated and is an easy process. Review this tip sheet for step-by-step instructions.
GETTING YOUR SECOND SHOTThe federal government made another announcement this week. All pharmacies that participate in the federal vaccine distribution program are directed to provide second doses to people, even if they received the first elsewhere. The pharmacies should also not require proof of residency from people who would like a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 40,000 pharmacies nationally participate in this program, including CVS, Walgreens, and others.
This directive was made with college students in mind who may get their first shot on campus but need to get their second at home. However, if possible, it is still preferable to get both doses at the same provider. Also, remember that you can’t mix vaccines—in otherwords, you can’t get the Moderna vaccine for your first does and the Pfizer vaccine for your second.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE As you may have heard, the FDA and CDC resumed administering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This was after a thorough examination of available data and a careful consideration of risks and benefits. Among the benefits are that it is 85% effective against severe COVID illness and 100% effective against hospitalization. Plus, because it is only one dose, you are fully vaccinated in a shorter amount of time than if you receive the two-dose mRNA vaccines.
The risk of developing a severe blood clot after receiving the vaccine is still extremely rare—approximately two in a million. Almost all of the cases were women under the age of 50, so the agencies recommend that women younger than 50 be aware of the increased risk.
Keep in mind most medicines have a risk of rare but dangerous side effects. For instance, for women, combination oral contraceptives pose a similar blood clot risk.
If you wish to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there are still a few appointments available at the Coral Gables site on Friday, May 7. Please log in to your MyUHealthChart account to make an appointment. This will be the last day we will be offering the vaccine. Only second doses will be provided beyond this date.
TALKING ABOUT THE VACCINESTo return to pre-pandemic activities and to keep everyone safe, we all need to get vaccinated. However, it is normal for people to be apprehensive, but you have an opportunity to help. You read this newsletter, so I know that you have factual and reputable information about the COVID-19 vaccines that can guide your choices. However, some people may not, and there is a lot of misinformation out there.
When you encounter friends or family who have not been vaccinated and are hesitant, be empathetic and ask them open-ended questions about their concerns. Try not to be judgemental and offer to share information from sources like this newsletter and the CDC to address any worries.
If they haven’t been vaccinated because they can’t find a provider, or they don’t have transportation or childcare, see what you can do to help them. Sometimes when people are on the fence, it just takes a hand to help them over.
LIMIT SIDE EFFECTSSome people have no side effects at all after receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. However, others report mild but still uncomfortable side effects, particularly after the second dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). There are a few things you can do that might minimize potential side effects:
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Get enough sleep both before and after your vaccines. Being sleep-deprived can affect how well you tolerate any side effects. If you are tired after being vaccinated, listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.
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Stay hydrated, and don’t forget to eat. Everything in the body works better if you are well-hydrated and not hungry.
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Don’t consume alcohol the night before. Drinking can cause you to be dehydrated. It can also make any side effects you may have feel worse.
POST-PANDEMIC PANICMany people are very excited about “getting back to normal.” However, for some, coming out of a COVID-19 cocoon might cause anxiety. It is easy to get out of the habit of being social, and that’s ok. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take it slow. Just remember, that first step is always the most difficult. But, if you feel like your anxiety is affecting your daily life, it might be best to talk to a mental health professional. |
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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 HIPAA-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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