Dear Panther community,
More than 6 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered around the world. More than 2.5 billion people are fully vaccinated - about a third of the earth’s total population. That includes 182 million Americans.
The data are in - these vaccines are safe. They’re also effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization or even death from COVID-19. We strongly encourage everyone on campus to get vaccinated.
Yesterday the Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots for people who are 65 and older and for all adults - such as teachers - who are at higher risk of exposure to the virus. The authorization is for individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine more than six months ago. As more information becomes available, we will include it in our weekly communications.
The FDA has not yet issued a decision on booster doses for those who received the Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccines. Mixing different brands of vaccines is not recommended.
Vaccines are readily available, including at the Student Health Clinic every Thursday from 1:00-3:00pm and Friday from 9:00-11:00am.
If you are looking for a vaccine off-campus, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Counseling Center Resources
The UNI Counseling Center is there to help students take care of your mental health. To schedule an assessment appointment, call the Counseling Center at 319-273-2676 to schedule a tele- or in-person visit and complete the assessment intake form: (view detailed student instructions).
For same day urgent appointments: During office hours, 8:00 am -4:30 pm M-F, you can consult with a counselor by phone or in person. After 4:30 pm and on weekends, call 319-273-2676 and select option 2 to speak with a counselor by phone.
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Flu vaccine clinics will start Wednesday, September 29 at the Rod Library from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The full schedule of flu shot clinics available throughout October, which will be held in various locations across campus, is available online.
Faculty and staff are eligible for one free flu vaccine on-campus each year. For students, the Student Health Clinic will file a claim with your health insurance or charge $30 to those students without health insurance.
Masks will be required at the on-campus vaccination clinics. Masks will be available for those that forget to bring one. UNI provides the quadrivalent flu shot.
Panther Health Survey
The university is continuing to use the Panther Health Survey to assist those who are:
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Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status);
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Have been exposed to COVID-19 and are unvaccinated; or
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Need to access COVID-19 leave.
If you fall into any of these categories please complete the survey as it helps provide relevant campus support services to those impacted by COVID-19, supports our cleaning and disinfecting efforts, and allows students to receive alternative class assignments, which are available for individual students who are unable to attend class due to COVID-related health issues. The Panther Health Survey must be completed to have faculty notified of students needing to be absent from classes. Students directed not to come to campus or who are unable to participate in class due to COVID-19 related illness, self-isolation, or quarantine should utilize the information provided in the survey.
If you have a question, please visit forwardtogether.uni.edu or email it to forwardtogether@uni.edu. Thanks for all that you do to keep yourself, your family and the Panther community safe.
Stay Well,
John Vallentine,
Associate Provost for Faculty
Joseph Rayzor,
Director of Risk Management, Environmental Health and Safety