COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
In our first newsletter on Aug. 18, 2020, I committed to providing you with guidance on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each week, I tried to include the latest information on the virus and vaccines, wellness tips, and a little inspiration during hard times. Now that vaccines are increasing, including for adolescents, we are seeing a decrease in deaths and hospitalizations.
As we wrap up the spring semester and many members of our University community turn their attention to summer activities, there is a sense that we are starting to consider our new normal. More detailed plans for our University’s summer and fall semesters will be shared in the coming weeks and with this shift, our weekly newsletter will also take a break.
We will stay connected over the summer with updates as needed, and you can always contact me at covidcmo@miami.edu. I remain committed to supporting you as we head into a new chapter. Even as we had to be physically distant, you have all demonstrated that we are and will always be one U. Your health and wellness is my number one priority for now and into our next phase.
Have a great summer and, if you haven’t already, please get vaccinated.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
DAILY REMINDERWhether you’re a student or a faculty or staff member, coming onto any of our campuses during the summer will still involve some safety measures. Though the CDC updated its guidance yesterday, indicating that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask, we are asking everyone to continue wearing a mask while indoors and using the daily symptom checker. Those are the prudent steps for us to take for now until there is clear evidence that more people have been vaccinated.
As you know, more directions for the fall will be shared soon. Keep in mind that every decision is guided by the best public health practices and with the goal of keeping us all safe. We appreciate your patience and, most of all, your cooperation.
12-15-YEAR-OLDS CAN NOW GET VACCINATED Wednesday, the CDC officially announced that 12-15-year-olds can receive the Pfizer vaccine. This is a two-dose mRNA vaccine, with the second shot administered three weeks after the first.
Jackson Health System will be administering first doses of the vaccine to patients ages 12-18 at eight locations:
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Holtz Children’s Hospital
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Jackson North Medical Center’s pediatric emergency department
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All five UHealth/Jackson Urgent Care Centers
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Mobile unit at the soon-to-be-open Jackson West Medical Center
Second doses will be administered 21 days later at the same location for each patient. Vaccines will be given out by appointment only through JacksonHealth.org.
According to the FDA and CDC, clinical trials have shown that side effects for this age group are no different than those for adults. These include common symptoms that children would have after any vaccination, such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, and low fever. However, these should go away in a day or two.
Even though children are less likely to get severely sick with COVID-19, approximately 1.5 million COVID-19 cases in individuals ages 11-17 were reported to the CDC from March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021. Also, this age group makes up more than 5 percent of the U.S. population, so getting them vaccinated is a vital step toward fully returning to our pre-COVID activities.
COVID-19 IS AIRBORNEAt the beginning of the pandemic, it was known that SARS-CoV-2 spread through larger respiratory droplets that quickly dissipate in a matter of minutes. However, there was still some debate on whether or not the virus is “airborne” or could be spread through aerosol particles, which can remain in the air for hours.
Last week the CDC finally released a scientific brief putting the matter to rest and affirming that COVID-19 is airborne. This is important because it guides how we continue to mitigate the risk of infection. For instance, now we know that if you are in a small, enclosed, poorly ventilated room, you can catch the virus from someone who is further than 6 feet away. Of course, if everyone wears a mask, the risk is lessened and decreases even further if you are vaccinated. So for now, while on our campuses, wear a mask.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES Summer is a time of friends, family, and fun. Often, people take family vacations, go to BBQs, and take day trips to local attractions. If you recall, last summer, none of these activities seemed within reach. Many people had to cancel travel plans.
This year, we have three vaccines, and more than half the U.S. population is vaccinated. So, the CDC is slowly easing recommended restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated, which means two weeks after your second dose of the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines or the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Those summer activities that you put off last year can be done safely this year—but only if you are fully vaccinated. If you’re not, the CDC recommends that you avoid travel and gathering with people outside your household.
BE SAFE, STAY WELLWhile I urge you to have fun in the sun, you must still do so safely—remember to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and exercise common sense.
Until our next communication, be safe and stay well. |
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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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