College of Medicine Pandemic Response for Jan. 21
This Week’s Updates:
Deadline for First Vaccine Dose is Jan. 27
The Supreme Court has upheld the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule requiring health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The College of Medicine must comply with this requirement.
To fulfill the CMS requirements, all students and members of the College of Medicine workforce must meet the following deadlines:
- By Jan. 27 – Either received a first vaccine or applied for a disability/medical or religious accommodation
- By Feb. 26 – Completed a full vaccine series, or an approved accommodation must be in place
A large percentage of College of Medicine students and employees have either received a first vaccine or an accommodation.
Human Resources will be reaching out directly to those employees who still must take some action. Program directors will be connecting with any student that has yet to act.
Booster Shots
Although the number of employees and students fully vaccinated exceeds 98%, not all have received a booster shot. Booster shots significantly increase protection from infection by the omicron variant and are strongly encouraged. Boosters are available at any health care location, pharmacy, grocery store, etc., and can be given at least five months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Find the location closest to you on vaccines.gov. Booster shots may be required in the future by the University.
COVID-19 Testing
Employees and students are encouraged to take advantage of the free, mail-in Vault Health COVID PCR saliva testing available to them. Employees can order here and students can use this link to order up to 4 Vault Health kits for their own in-home test. As Vault is experiencing delays in shipping, we encourage employees and students to order several tests now and have them on hand when needed.
Participant Mask Removal Must PAUSE for all Observational Studies at the College of Medicine
In-person, observational research studies with procedures that involve participant mask removal (for any reason) must be put on hold. This requirement is for all observational studies reviewed and approved through InfoReady. Study teams must continue to follow all other requirements as outlined in their COVID Safety protocol in InfoReady. This temporary pause will be reevaluated, in conjunction of the local case load and hospital capacity, with an update to be issued on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.
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