COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Whether you’re a new or returning ’Cane, a faculty or staff member, or the parent of a student, we are clearly in a back-to-school time of year. And what an exciting time it is. Though the delta variant still has us taking many precautions to stop the spread of the coronavirus, there has been a lot of news about the vaccine over the past week.
On Monday, the FDA granted full approval of the Pfizer vaccine (now named Comirnaty) for those 16 years of age and older. The vaccine is also available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for people 12-15 years old. Our hope is that this full approval will make some of those who are vaccine hesitant feel more comfortable about getting a shot. As we start the new school year, I want to thank all faculty and staff members of the University community in advance for getting their vaccines in compliance with our guidelines. Students are strongly encouraged to get their vaccine so we might return to a more normal environment in the near future. We can only do that with more people getting vaccinated.
Keep in mind that all three of the vaccines in use, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, are safe and effective in slowing the spread of the virus and, most importantly, preventing severe illness. We continue to see that up to 95% of hospitalized patients have not been vaccinated. Remember, by stopping the spread, the virus loses its opportunity to mutate and create new variations. That’s why it’s so important that as many people as possible get vaccinated.
There is more news to share with you this week, which we’ve included in this issue. Whatever is on your mind about COVID-19, know that I am here to help and answer your questions.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
BOOSTERS AND MORELast week, the Centers for Disease Control recommended that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine—either Pfizer or Moderna—at least 28 days after a second dose of one of those vaccines. The CDC recommends this additional shot for patients receiving active cancer treatment or organ transplant, for stem cell recipients, or for those with other medical conditions.
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering getting pregnant got some reassurance as well. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, two leading organizations, recommend that pregnant women be vaccinated against COVID-19. There is no evidence of adverse effects to the mother or fetus from using any of the three vaccines currently available in the U.S. Meanwhile, studies have shown that COVID-19 increases the risk of preterm birth and other severe complications in pregnancy.
KEEP POSITIVITY LOW In this case, we’re talking about positivity rates for COVID-19, not your attitude. The World Health Organization recommends that the positivity rate get below 5%. That might sound impossible, but it’s not. That’s the rate we need to achieve in order to truly stop this pandemic in its tracks and regain our new normal life.
The University is doing its part to keep everyone updated on our data with a public dashboard, which was revised today to include vaccination percentages.
Stopping the spread of the virus is what’s behind the updated mask guidelines announced by President Frenk. Masking continues to be required in all indoor areas; it also is now required outdoors on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses when in groups of four or more. Regardless of your vaccination status, this is another step we can all take to reduce the spread of the delta variant.
QUARANTINE OR ISOLATION RULESWe continue to have defined quarantine and isolation protocols for any student who tests positive for COVID-19, has symptoms, or has been potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19. If that happens, the student will need to self-isolate or self-quarantine and will receive specific instructions at their University email address.
If a student receives a positive test result, they will have to isolate themselves for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. This is to ensure that we stop further exposure to others. More information is available on the University’s COVID-19 website.
VACCINES: A BRIEF HISTORYWhile some people are hesitant to receive one of the COVID vaccines, the use of vaccines to eradicate potentially deadly diseases is not new. They have been widely used in the U.S. for decades. In fact, we can thank vaccines for virtually eliminating polio and diphtheria, and for providing protection against chicken pox, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus, among others. George Washington in January 1777 said, “… we have more to dread from it [Variola] than from the sword of the enemy.” And one month later, President Washington informed Congress of the policy of mandating vaccines.
Similar to the coronavirus, without the prevalent and regular use of vaccines, many of these diseases that we hear about from the past would quickly spread, creating unnecessary illness. The side effects of the vaccines, if any, are mild and don’t last long, and we have seen that the benefits of vaccines are far reaching and much greater than any downside.
STAYING CREATIVE AND PROBING YOUR SPIRITUALITYStaying engaged, inspired, and creative has been a challenge as we’ve spent nearly 18 months confined to home or vastly limited in our usual interactions. Few new interactions and increased stress can take a toll on creativity. As we have seen this past year, science can tell us “how” and technology can give us power but not tell us how to use it, but reaching into our spiritual self will give us the “why.” How do we get to understanding the “why”? Different people respond differently.
An article in Harvard Business Review
found there are five approaches to enhance your creativity. They include engaging in an expressive outlet—learn to play an instrument, learn a new language, take up drawing; or getting into a flow state, when you become absorbed in an activity and lose track of time. Broaden your network, albeit virtually, but staying connected is key. Spend time in nature, taking a walk and taking time to observe what’s around you. And finally, harness your negative emotions. Sometimes anger or a pessimistic mood can help you realize it’s time to change things to achieve our goals. |
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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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