University News

Vaccine Invitations Coming for Faculty, Staff and Student Employees

University of Virginia faculty and staff members and student employees are now receiving invitations from UVA Health to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

The Virginia Department of Health and the Blue Ridge Health District last week announced that those in priority group 1-C, which includes higher education faculty and staff, are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. UVA-affiliated contractors and employees of University-associated organizations are also included in the group.

UVA Health has been authorized to handle the University’s vaccinations and is in the process of scheduling appointments. Those eligible will receive an email with a personal link to directly schedule an appointment. Vaccinations will be provided at the COVID Community Vaccination Center in the Seminole Square shopping center, 393 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville.

Dr. Costi Sifri, director of hospital epidemiology for UVA Health, encouraged everyone in the UVA community to sign up for a vaccine appointment as soon as they receive their invitation.

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“We have three vaccines that are highly effective in protecting against COVID-19,” he said. “Getting a significant number of people vaccinated is vital in helping the Charlottesville area, Virginia and the entire country return to normal.”

The speed at which the University employee population can be vaccinated will depend on the number of doses the Virginia Department of Health allocates to UVA Health each week.

Those who have already registered for vaccinations through the Blue Ridge Health District or Vaccinate Virginia website may receive invitations from both the Blue Ridge Health District and UVA Health. Employees can take advantage of either option to be vaccinated at the first available opportunity.

After being vaccinated, it is important to continue to follow current UVA coronavirus guidelines, as well as public health protocols, until otherwise communicated. This includes wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings, especially indoors.

“As we have more and more people vaccinated, I think we will see the easing of those public health measures designed to protect against COVID-19,” Sifri said.

Planning for the vaccination of students is currently underway, and those plans will be announced as soon as they are finalized. The Blue Ridge Health District has announced that it will enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution starting Monday. At that point, those 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine.

To learn more, see frequently asked questions about UVA’s employee vaccination process.

For medical information on the vaccines and COVID in general, visit the UVA Health website.