Vaccination Policy & Procedures

Vaccine Updates and Announcements

Dear UConn Colleagues,

This notice supplements Dr. Agwunobi’s announcement earlier this week regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all currently active and new employees.

To Whom Do These Mandatory Requirements Apply at UConn?

This requirement applies to currently active or new workforce members as defined in the policy regardless of whether a) they work on-site, b) they work remotely, c) their state of residence or d) their Regular or Special Payroll status, unless the individual qualifies for a medical or religious exemption or a personal deferral for specific situations as provided by the policy and procedures:

• All UConn non-union and non-represented employees, including gratis employees;
• All members of UCPEA, AAUP – Storrs and GEU (Post Docs);
• All members of State classified unions (NP-2, NP-3, NP-5) – mandatory vaccine reporting and testing only at this time. Additional information will be on the Human Resources website in the coming days, in response to the Governor’s Executive Order.
• Employees on any type of approved University leaves, such as FMLA, Military Leave, and sabbaticals. Deferrals may apply and the Office of Human Resources will communicate with these employees.

Contractors and Vendors – application of the Policy is currently under review and other University Offices are addressing implementation and communications. 

Graduate Assistants who are members of GEU and student workers will only be subject to the student vaccination policy.

UConn workforce members that report to UConn Health managers or vice versa will be subject to the requirements of the organizations from which they are paid. Human Resources is developing ongoing information for applicants, job searches, and onboarding of new employees.

Demonstrating Proof of Vaccination

• How to Demonstrate Proof of Vaccination. Workforce members must go to the UConn COVID vaccine policy registry, answer some questions, and upload required documents. This system will be live via the Human Resources website on noon, Monday, August 23.

• Timing. Workforce members are required to provide proof that they have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine no later than September 10, 2021, and (for those who received or will be receiving the 2-dose mRNA vaccines, e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) that they received their second dose no later than October 15, 2021. Additional information for members of classified unions will be on the Human Resources website next week, based on the Governor’s Executive Order, but vaccinated classified employees may upload their information once the system is live. 

Submitting a Request for an Exemption or Deferral

Workforce members who believe they have a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the COVID -19 vaccine or that necessitates a delay in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or who wish to request a personal deferral for specific situations outlined in the policy may request a medical exemption or deferral.  Additionally, those who have a sincerely held religious belief that prohibits them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may request a religious exemption.

Individuals who are approved for a medical or religious exemption or a personal deferral will need to undergo weekly mandatory COVID-19 testing and take heightened protective measures against COVID-19. In this event, Human Resources will send information to applicable employees on how to obtain a test. Both vaccinations and tests under this policy may be obtained during work hours.

• How to Submit your Exemption or Deferral Forms: Workforce Members must go to the UConn COVID vaccine policy registry, answer some questions, and upload required documents. This system will be live via the Human Resources website on noon, Monday, August 23.
• Timing: Those who would like to apply for a Medical Exemption, a Religious Exemption, or a Personal Deferral must submit the appropriate Request Form no later than September 1, 2021. Additional information for members of classified unions will be found on the Human Resources website next week, based on the Governor’s Executive Order, but those who wish to apply for an exemption or deferral may do so  once the system is live. 

Scheduling a COVID-19 Vaccination

You may schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through the UConn Health Vaccine Call Center at 860-679-5589, your medical provider, or the state’s vaccination portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the policy and procedures, we have compiled Frequently Asked Questions. Access to the vaccine registry and related materials will be available on the HR website.

Thank you,

Chris

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, at the University of Connecticut and UConn Health, our primary goal during this pandemic is to keep all employees, students, and patients safe. This is particularly important given the rise of the Delta variant and the upcoming start of in-person classes. To this end, we are writing to announce that in addition to our student vaccine mandate, UConn and UConn Health are now requiring that currently active and new employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees must show evidence of vaccination by Oct. 15, 2021.

Medical and religious exemptions or limited deferrals may be requested; employees who are granted exemptions or deferrals must be tested weekly.

University leadership came together with the leadership of AAUP at UConn and UConn Health, UHP, UCPEA, and the GEU-Postdocs working collaboratively to achieve this important policy initiative.

FAQs and instructions on how to report your vaccination status to the university, apply for an exemption from this requirement or a deferral, and other details will be sent to employees this week.

The policy can be found here.

Any unvaccinated UConn or UConn Health employee covered by this requirement can schedule their COVID-19 vaccination at UConn Health by calling the UConn Health Vaccine Call Center at 860-679-5589; through your own medical provider if you are not a UConn Health patient; or with another provider identified through the state’s vaccination portal.

Warm regards,

Andy

Andrew Agwunobi, MD, MBA

Interim President|University of Connecticut

Chief Executive Officer |UConn Health
President@uconn.edu

The University of Connecticut Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

The University of Connecticut Health Center Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

University Health Professionals Local 3837 AFT/AFT-CT/AFL-CIO (UHP)

The University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association Local 3695 AFTCT, AFT, AFL-CIO (UCPEA)

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local Union 6950 (Postdocs)

To the UConn Community:

We write today with an update on vaccine eligibility for children ages 12 and older and availability at Hawley Armory on the UConn Storrs campus.

Individuals ages 12 and older can be signed up for a vaccine beginning immediately. UConn Health will begin administering the Pfizer vaccine on Thursday, May 13, at Hawley Armory.

Please see the table below for information on how to schedule, based on a child’s age:

Thank you,

UConn Human Resources

To the UConn Community:

As we shared last week, Hawley Armory at UConn Storrs has transitioned to a community vaccination site in anticipation of the large influx of eligible employees and Connecticut residents and workers ages 18 and older starting April 1.

It is important to note that vaccine demand remains high, and Hawley Armory might not be able to meet the immediate needs of all employees and community members. The number of vaccination appointments UConn can offer depends largely on how many doses of the vaccine are available during a given day or week.

It is worth noting that while Connecticut residents age 18 and older are eligible as of April 1, people ages 16 and 17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is not offered at Hawley. It is offered at UConn Health in Farmington. Hawley is only able to serve employees, students and members of the surrounding communities who are 18 or older.

Anyone who is unable to secure an appointment at Hawley Armory during their preferred timeframe can also pursue an appointment at another location and/or continue to check back on the UConn Health MyChart system regularly, as appointments continue to be added.

Although UConn does not require COVID-19 vaccinations, the University strongly encourages all employees and students to receive a vaccination.

Storrs students remaining at UConn for the remainder of spring semester after spring break and over the summer will be vaccinated through Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) once vaccine supplies become available later in April. Students may schedule an appointment through the Patient Portal. Appointments are required for all vaccinations.

VACCINES
UConn Health will administer the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at Hawley Armory, depending on allocations from the state of Connecticut. Employees will not have the ability to schedule an appointment for a particular or preferred vaccine.

ELIGIBILITY
Individuals ages 45+ and other populations are currently eligible to schedule an appointment and receive a vaccine. To sign up for MyChart and schedule an appointment at Hawley Armory, please visit UConn Health’s website: https://health.uconn.edu/coronavirus/covid-vaccine/

When signing up for MyChart, the University recommends using the option to “Verify your identity for instant access.”

Individuals ages 18+ will become eligible for a vaccine starting Thursday, April 1. Starting around noon on Wednesday, March 31, eligible employees can begin signing up for appointments at Hawley Armory by visiting UConn Health’s website: https://health.uconn.edu/coronavirus/covid-vaccine/

When signing up for MyChart, the University recommends using the option to “Verify your identity for instant access.”

PLEASE NOTE: Proof of vaccine eligibility is requested at time of vaccination. For those eligible for the vaccine because of their age, an ID or other proof of date of birth/age should be presented.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Hawley Armory will administer vaccines for the rest of this week except for Friday, April 2, in recognition of the Good Friday holiday.

Over the weeks of April 5th and 15th, Hawley Armory will offer vaccine appointments Monday through Thursday.

UConn Health will hold mobile clinics on the Stamford and Avery Point campuses on Friday, April 9, and Friday, April 16, respectively. The University will share additional details with these campus populations soon.

WAIT LIST
The University will no longer maintain a wait list for vaccine appointments. If UConn Health anticipates extra vaccine at the end of the day, it will contact individuals with an upcoming appointment to determine if they are close to Hawley Armory and available to receive the vaccine.

PARKING AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Parking in the vicinity of Hawley is available for community members in the parking lot adjacent to Manchester Hall on the Storrs campus. Signs have been placed on Route 195 and on campus directing people to this parking area.

People who need ADA accommodations related to mobility are asked to call 860-487-9200 so they can be scheduled for appointments at the Storrs UConn Health location on Royce Circle.

March 29, 2021

Dear UConn Faculty, Staff and Graduate Assistants:

I write to provide some emerging details and updates regarding COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions.

Beginning today, individuals aged 45 and over are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and I’m proud to share that 500 employees in this age group will receive their first-dose via UConn Health next week at Hawley Armory. This signifies the largest weekly allocation of vaccines at Hawley Armory to date.

In addition, on April 5^th, the state recently announced that individuals aged 16 and over will become eligible to receive a vaccine. In preparation for this large influx of eligible employees and residents, I am pleased to share the following updates to vaccinations, which have been developed in partnership with colleagues from UConn Health, Public Safety, the Office of Emergency Management, and representatives from the Eastern Highlands Health District, and the State Department of Public Health.

Hawley Armory Vaccinations

Beginning the week of March 29, vaccinations at Hawley Armory will expand to a 4 days per week. Further expansion may occur if there is adequate supply and demand. With this expansion, Hawley Armory will convert to a community vaccination center, and all eligible individuals will be able to make an appointment. Conditional on supply and the state’s rollout plan, we anticipate that when fully operational, we will be able to vaccinate 1,600-2,000 individuals aged 18 and older per week. Any individuals between ages 16-18 years old will be directed to Farmington, because they can only receive the Pfizer vaccine at this time.

As I have stated in previous messages, UConn, working with our colleagues at UConn Health, continues to vaccinate individuals eligible under state guidelines. While fluctuations in vaccine supply still exist week to week, the University and the Office of Human Resources remain committed to vaccinating as many people as possible. UConn Health, on our behalf, is working with our state partners diligently, and HR will continue to update employees with new information as we receive it.

Please refer to HR’s COVID-19 vaccine website for further information. If you have any questions, please write to HR@uconn.edu.

Hawley Armory Testing

During the week of March 29, testing will only occur at Hawley Armory on Wednesday. In the weeks that follow, all employee testing will occur through CVS or Vault. HR will continue to invite approximately 400 employees to undergo surveillance testing each week through CVS. We anticipate that the surveillance testing program will continue into the fall. HR will use Vault, which provides at-home tests, for potential exposure testing. We will continue to monitor testing interest, as vaccinations are the current focus of employees.

Avery Point and Stamford Regional Campuses

HR will invite employees of the Stamford and Avery Point campuses to mobile clinics on Friday, April 9, in Stamford and on Friday, April 16, at Avery Point. UConn Health intends to vaccinate up to 300 employees aged 18 and older at each location. We may be able to open up vaccinations to students and the external community members if there is additional vaccine available after all interested employees have been scheduled for those days.

What will Happen Next?

At the bottom of this communication, please see a tentative schedule of activity for the next few weeks. Before March 29^th, we will send an updated schedule and specifics about the expanded vaccination effort.

What Can I Do?

UConn’s vaccination efforts remain a voluntary option to promote personal wellness and community health. If you have an opportunity to obtain a vaccine at other vaccinations centers, you are welcome and encouraged to do so. Once vaccination efforts expand at Hawley Armory beginning on March 29, employees will be able to schedule appointments directly with UConn Health via MyChart. Instructions for signing up for MyChart are available on the HR website.

Additional COVID-Related Restrictions

Members of Human Resources, Research, Environmental Health and Safety, Public Safety, and colleagues at UConn Health are working to identify the best ways to safely address and potentially ease the COVID-related restrictions put into place throughout the pandemic.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work toward updating each of our policies, and stay tuned for further updates. Remember, the health and safety of our employees and all members of and visitors to our community is our primary concern. In the interim, please note the following:

• Safety Protocols: Universal masking, social distancing, and other critical safety protocols remain in effect at all times at all UConn campuses.
• Out-of-State Travel and Workplace Re-entry: UConn’s out-of-state travel policy and return to the workplace requirements remain unchanged. However, it is all under re-evaluation and an update will be shared when available.

I know we are all excited to see our lives return to familiar ways and ways that will enhance our emerging “new” lives. Our thoughts continue to be with our colleagues who were significantly impacted during the pandemic: those who became ill and are still recovering, others who suffered the loss of family and loved ones, and other colleagues who have persisted through so many impacts. Let’s continue to stay vigilant and focused on safety as the weeks and months progress.

In appreciation of all you do,

Chris

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

Tentative UConn Vaccination and Testing Efforts and Timelines

February 26, 2021

Dear UConn Community,

I want to provide some emerging details regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

Last week, HR sent a survey of vaccine interest to 500 employees between the ages of 65 and 74. Vaccinations to the over 100 interested employees were completed yesterday at Hawley Armory.

The state has also announced this week the next phases of its COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. To keep you informed please note the following:

INDIVIDUALS AGED 55 TO 64 AND PREK-12/OTHER EDUCATORS ELIGIBLE MARCH 1: Effective Monday, March 1 all individuals aged 55 and older are eligible for the vaccine, plus Pre K – Grade 12 educators and school support staff, and licensed childcare professionals living or working in Connecticut. Important note: Starting March 1 proof of eligibility is required statewide at time of vaccination.  For health care workers, medical first responders, Pre K – Grade 12 educators/support staff, and childcare professionals, this proof may include an employment ID badge, payroll stub, business card, employer letter, or other similar documentation.

We will be working shortly with our schools and colleges to identify any of our employees and students who are working in licensed childcare and Pre K – Grade 12 locations throughout the state, and sending a survey of vaccine interest to them as well if their present placement location may not allow for direct vaccination through the state’s efforts. Our Licensed Childcare professionals in the Child Lab will also be included.

NEXT AGE-BASED PHASES AND TENTATIVE TIMING: The state has shared that the tentative dates for future roll-out of the vaccine is as follows: March 22 for individuals aged 45+; April 12 for those aged 35+; and May 3 for other younger age groups.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR UCONN’S HAWLEY ARMORY VACCINATION EFFORTS? Yesterday morning a survey of vaccine interest was sent to approximately 1,300 UConn colleagues between the ages of 55-64, and we now have approximately 300 first dose vaccines allocated for next Tuesday, March 2. The first 300 who replied to the survey will be communicated with to confirm their Tuesday only appointments next week on a first come, first serve basis. Because over 600 employees replied to this week’s survey, we will be communicating to those employees not selected for vaccination on March 2^nd about availability of vaccine when further information about vaccine allotment becomes known. We will also be communicating with those employees and students still awaiting a vaccine in earlier state eligibility phases who are known to us. A UConn ID, or vaccine appointment letter is required to obtain your vaccine, along with proof of age for those in an age-based eligible category.

We are also discussing plans and possibilities related to the regional campuses in collaboration with their directors. We will include details specific to the regional campuses as they are available in future communications.

UConn, working with our colleagues at UConn Health, continues to vaccinate individuals eligible under state guidelines. While fluctuations in vaccine supply still exist week to week, the University and the Office of Human Resources remain committed to vaccinating as many people as possible. UConn Health, on our behalf, is working with our state partners diligently and HR will continue to update you with new information as we receive it.

UConn’s vaccination efforts remain a voluntary option to promote personal wellness and community health. If you have an opportunity to obtain a vaccine at other vaccinations centers, you are welcome and encouraged to do so.

CAMPUS READINESS: UConn has not formally communicated any plan for transitioning employees currently working remotely back to campus. Such planning will be carefully undertaken under state Public Health guidance. Facilities Operations and other campus leaders have begun a process of gathering information on potential and future use of facilities to aid in planning. This exercise should not be understood as a change in University policy or guidance to employees on the Spring Registry or for Summer and, even at this point, for the Fall Semester.  Any change in current guidance to employees regarding reentry will be communicated by the University and the Office Human Resources at a later date.

Please refer to HR’s COVID-19 vaccine website along with recently updated FAQs for further information. If you have any questions, please write to HR@uconn.edu.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding.

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

February 15, 2021

Human Resources posted updated vaccine-related FAQs. The original FAQs, which were posted on 2/5/21, are available at the end of the updated document.

February 8, 2021

To the UConn Community,

I am writing to provide updates on the status of the state’s vaccination program and UConn’s implementation of that guidance via UConn Health.

Already Scheduled Vaccines Continue for Healthcare Workers and Individuals 75+.  UConn Health has been vaccinating UConn employees eligible under the state’s guidelines. To date, this has included healthcare workers eligible under the state’s Phase 1a and individuals who are aged 75 and over (the first tier of Phase 1b). While fluctuations in UConn Health’s vaccine supply still exist week to week, UConn Health is committed to satisfying all first and second-dose appointments currently scheduled. UConn Health, working with their state partners, may accelerate some of these appointments to meet the state’s goal of having all healthcare workers and those 75 and older vaccinated by early to mid-March. If you have a scheduled appointment, please await further guidance directly from UConn Health.

Appointments (including at Hawley Armory) for those aged 65+ likely to Start Mid-March. Please note that due to limited vaccine supply, UConn Health will likely start scheduling appointments for those aged 65+ (who are now eligible under the state’s guidelines to receive the vaccine) in mid-March. Please, however, see alternative options below. UConn Health is working hard to secure more vaccine supply and will expand vaccine offerings to those aged 65+, and others who become eligible, as soon as possible.

Alternatives. If individuals 65+ and others who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine are seeking ways to schedule a new vaccination appointment before UConn Health is able to accommodate them, there are a number of alternatives to book vaccine appointments at other locations.  Here are some options:

• State’s Vaccine Access Line: 877-918-2224 (Call between 8:00 a.m.-8:00p.m. Note: Open daily including weekends).
• State website: http://ct.gov/covidvaccine (Type in your zip code to find a location near you).
• Check VAMS: Click here for instructions for how to use VAMS or visit https://vams.cdc.gov/ if you already have a VAMS account.
• CVS Locations: CVS is currently offering vaccines at four locations in Connecticut and soon expanding to more. Click here for the CVS schedule and check back for additional locations.
• WalMart and Walgreens: Appointments are coming soon. Please check the retailers’ websites.

Additional information, including all earlier communications, is available on the HR website: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-covid-vaccine/.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding.

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

February 6, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

I write today with updates on the University’s vaccination efforts.

UConn is following the State of Connecticut’s vaccination program, and vaccines are offered to UConn employees as a voluntary option to promote personal health and the health of our campuses. The University must follow the phases and tiers as determined by the State of Connecticut. Employees can stay up to date on the state’s plan via this website.

Updated Vaccination Timeline. The following table outlines on-going vaccination efforts and an anticipated prioritization of Phase1b. All timelines remain subject to change, dependent on vaccine availability and additional federal and state guidance.

*Timelines above are extremely rough estimates based on existing information, subject to change based on a variety of factors outside of our control. We will update tiers and estimates as new information is received from the State.

It is expected that individuals invited to vaccinate in Tier 3 categories will register for a vaccine appointment on a first come, first serve basis.

Vaccination by Invitation. Employees should not sign up for any vaccine without first receiving a written invitation to vaccinate from Human Resources. Please do not attempt to jump to the “front of the line” by scheduling an appointment without an invitation. If you have scheduled an unauthorized appointment, please cancel it immediately. Anyone appearing for an unauthorized appointment will be turned away.

In addition, employees are under no obligation to receive their vaccine from UConn. If you are able to schedule a vaccination appointment at another location, you are free to do so.

 Current Vaccination Activity. We are currently vaccinating individuals in Phase 1a (first responders/healthcare workers) and the first tier of Phase 1b (individuals 75 years old and older). Appointments for second doses of the vaccine are now fully booked at Hawley Armory through February 25^th. Through that time, due to an uncertain supply of vaccine, the University will be unable to offer appointments in Storrs or Farmington to employees for a first dose of the vaccine.

Some employees have already received an invitation or scheduled an appointment for a first dose, but vaccine supply is no longer sufficient for these appointments. UConn Health and the Department of Public Health are finding alternative locations during this timeframe. Impacted employees should check their email and voicemail for further communications from UConn Health.

We are currently in the process of creating a dashboard to share key vaccine information, with our hope to deploy this dashboard in the coming weeks.

Vaccine Waitlist. Employees may sign up for a vaccine waitlist on the HR website. If there is unused vaccine at the end of the day, HR will contact individuals on the list for either a second or first dose of the vaccine. HR must follow state-issued prioritization for the waitlist, which begins with Phase 1a employees, then employees aged 75+, and then employees in the 65-74 age range. See frequently asked questions about the vaccine program on the new HR COVID-19 Vaccination website or additional information via the State of Connecticut. To prepare for a vaccine via UConn, make sure you have a My Chart profile via UConn Health.

Your commitment to UConn’s mission is a shining moment that has endured throughout this pandemic. Our employees’ health, safety and well-being are critically important and UConn’s vaccination efforts, in partnership with UConn Health and the Department of Public Health, leads the way. Please continue to focus on your health, your loved ones, and our community. Please send any additional questions to Human Resources via hr@uconn.edu.

Thank you,

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

January 31, 2021

To All UConn Employees, Graduate Assistants, and Clinical Placement Students:

I write to follow-up on my message from yesterday, Saturday, January 30th, as follows:

UConn Testing – February 1st Tests Postponed

Due to the expected inclement weather, UConn Health is reaching out to all employees scheduled for COVID 19 Testing at Hawley Armory on Monday, February 1^st, and moving all Monday tests to Wednesday or Friday of this week, pending weather improvement. If you have a scheduled appointment for Monday, please continue to review your email and/or check your voicemail for further information.

UConn Vaccinations – Storrs and Farmington                

As noted yesterday, due to state and federal COVID-19 vaccine shortages, UConn Heath has had to cancel first dose appointments for February 1-8. However, UConn Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program is hard at work finding immediate rescheduling solutions for all impacted individuals.

Those Canceled Are Being Prioritized. No one who had their first dose appointment between February 1-8 canceled will lose their place in line for a vaccine. UConn Health’s priority is finding a rescheduling solution for these patients.

We are happy to report that, with the swift assistance of the CT Department of Public Health, UConn Health has already successfully provided those whose Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 first dose appointments were canceled with a rescheduling solution for this upcoming week at an alternative vaccination site in East Hartford.

UConn Health is currently working to provide an immediate rescheduling solution for those impacted by the cancellations. These individuals will be contacted directly by UConn Health the week of February 1st and will be provided either a timely alternative vaccination location or a new UConn Health vaccination appointment, pending upcoming vaccine supply allocations permit.

February 1 Through February 8 Second Doses and Appointments After Feb. 8. Please note that all currently scheduled second dose vaccine appointments between February 3-8 at Hawley Armory or from February 1-8^th at Farmington will proceed as planned, unless you are contacted directly by UConn Health for rescheduling.

Due to the expected inclement weather, please note that UConn Health is moving all second dose vaccines at Hawley Armory from Tuesday, February 2^nd, to Thursday, February 4^th, at the same time slots already confirmed. UConn Health and UConn HR are collaborating on communicating directly with all those due a second dose on Tuesday, February 2^nd.

Additionally, all other vaccine appointments scheduled beyond Feb. 8 at Hawley Armory or  UConn Health – both first and second dose appointments – are not impacted at this time.

As we move forward, it is important to note that because of the ongoing uncertainty in vaccine supply, decisions will need to be made weekly as to whether any additional appointments will need to be canceled. UConn Health is committed to working with UConn HR and all UConn colleagues to find alternatives if cancellations are necessary. UConn Health will also be doing all that they can in the coming weeks to increase future allocation from the state to be able to meet our community’s needs.

On behalf of UConn Health and UConn HR, we again apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.

For any questions, please email hr@uconn.edu.

Sincerely,

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources. Officer

January 30, 2021

To All UConn Employees, Graduate Assistants, and Clinical Placement Students:

I am writing to inform you that UConn Health, our partner in the UConn employee vaccination program, has been notified that, due to unexpected shortages at the federal and state level, the state must reduce its COVID-19 vaccine allocations beginning next week.

As a result of this shortage, we must cancel all first dose vaccination appointments scheduled for Monday, February 1, through Monday, February 8, in Farmington and Storrs. Note: those currently with second dose appointments should proceed as scheduled, unless directly contacted to reschedule.

UConn Health is currently reaching out directly to each first dose patient with appointments between February 1 and February 8 to alert them of the cancellation. At this time, we do not know when cancelled appointments can be rescheduled, but we will share updates as soon as more information is known. Decisions will be made next week as to whether first dose appointments beyond February 8 will need to be canceled, depending upon vaccine availability.

UConn Health is doing all that it can to increase future allocations from the state to continue the vaccine’s roll-out, and we appreciate their tireless efforts.

Our sincere apologies for this inconvenience. For any questions, please email hr@uconn.edu.

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer

Monday, January 11, 2021

Dear Storrs and Regional Campus Faculty, Staff and Graduate Assistants:

Please join President Katsouleas and several leaders from UConn and UConn Health at a virtual Town Hall to discuss the University’s employee vaccination plan and to answer employee questions. The Town Hall will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, January 15 via YouTube. Employees are encouraged to submit questions before and during the Town Hall via hr-communications@uconn.edu (please use “1/15 Town Hall” in the subject line).

In consultation with stakeholders, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has set the schedule for state agencies, including UConn, regarding who is eligible for a vaccination and the timetable for distributing and administering the vaccine. Below, please find the timetable for doing so and the impacted categories of UConn employees.

Please note that there may be new or updated guidance from the state that could alter the timetable or phases and categories of impacted employees. Below is the current plan as it stands today:

Anticipated Phases and Timeline of Employee Vaccination Program

At the appropriate times, Human Resources will contact employees within each phase to schedule a vaccination appointment; invitations to a vaccine cannot be shared and must not be forwarded.

At this time, receiving the vaccine is voluntary. Storrs employees will receive vaccinations at Hawley Armory on the Storrs campus; Hartford (including GBLC), Law and Waterbury employees will receive vaccinations at UConn Health in Farmington; and the University intends to set up one-day vaccination clinics at Avery Point and Stamford on yet to be determined dates, respectively.

Once again, the Town Hall will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, January 15 via YouTube. Employees are encouraged to submit questions before and during the Town Hall via hr-communications@uconn.edu (please use “1/15 Town Hall” in the subject line).

December 21, 2020

Dear Storrs and Regional Colleagues,

On December 14^th, I wrote to the University community with information on spring 2021 COVID-19 testing and an employee vaccination program. I write to you today with an update.

Vaccinations

Of the approximately 1,400 employees who responded to our vaccination survey, 97% indicated a willingness to take the vaccine. If you have not done so, please consider completing the brief survey. For those of you who have already participated, thank you; the information collected is invaluable as we plan for the rollout of the vaccination program in the coming months.

While the roll-out of the vaccine to all employees will take place over the course of 2021, we encourage employees to register with MyChart, via UConn Health, to prepare in advance. To register with MyChart, please follow the link sent via email on 12/21/20. Please select the Verify Identity with a Third Party option. Employees who have technical difficulties registering should contact 860-679-4400 and select Option #2.

Vaccination Phases

The FDA has approved the Moderna vaccine and UConn Health is awaiting the shipment; it is our expectation that UConn Health will use the Moderna vaccine for vaccinating UConn employees. We originally anticipated vaccinations would begin on December 22^nd; however, we anticipate vaccinations will now begin for the following employees on or around December 30^th: Student Health and Wellness, Public Safety, and some Clinical Faculty who are involved in direct patient or student care. This group represents Phase 1a of the vaccination program. Phase 1a employees will receive an email once vaccines are secured to schedule their appointment. As such, Phase 1a employees should monitor their emails daily over the holidays.

Following the vaccination of Phase 1a employees in late December and early January, we will begin prioritizing and vaccinating the approximately 3,500 employees who are working on campus during spring 2021 in capacities related to critical infrastructure, student contact, and research. Graduate Assistants working on campus will also be vaccinated with this population. This group represents Phase 1b.

All remaining employees, including those working on campus less than full-time and telecommuting employees, will receive the vaccination in Phase 2. We anticipate that this population, which represents the majority of employees, will not receive the vaccine until fall 2021 or later.

Baseline Testing

Employee baseline testing for spring 2021 will take place from January 4^th through January 22^nd. Human Resources will share testing dates, times, and locations with employees on the On-Campus Registry later this week. Tests and vaccinations will take place in Hawley Armory on the Storrs campus, but tests and vaccinations will occur on different days. The University is establishing special cleaning protocols between testing and vaccination days.

We will continue to share regular updates and information on employee testing and the vaccination program during the holidays and throughout the spring semester.

I wish you all a happy holiday season – and as always, remain vigilant and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Chris

Christopher Delello

Chief Human Resources Officer