Dear Panther Community,
As we prepare for the upcoming break next week, please keep in mind that there are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. This includes getting vaccinated, getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and wearing a mask on public transportation. For additional information, please visit the CDC’s Holiday Celebrations page.
Vaccination Rates in Iowa
Currently 71.3% of Iowans 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 68.5% of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated according to IDPH. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus, and help prevent new variants from emerging. In Iowa right now 80.2% of those in the ICU for COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated.
On-Campus Vaccinations are Available
The Student Health Clinic will offer 100 doses of Johnson and Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty and staff. Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine can be given as an initial dose or the booster dose. Booster vaccines need to be given at least two months after receiving your first Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Appointments are required, call 319-273-2100 to schedule an appointment for Thursday 1:00-3:00 pm or Friday 9:00-11:00 am.
The Student Health Clinic continues to offer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines at the weekly clinics, appointments are required. Call 319-273-2100 to schedule an appointment for Thursday 1:00-3:00 pm or Friday 9:00-11:00 am.
Individuals working in higher education, including all employees of the University of Northern Iowa, qualify for a booster dose vaccine. The FDA continues to evaluate expanding the eligibility of boosters to all adults but has not done so at this time.
Voluntary Vaccine Verification Reminder
Employees (faculty, staff, graduate assistants and student employees) can utilize the Panther Health Survey to voluntarily submit documentation of having received a COVID-19 vaccine or voluntarily submit a request for a waiver or accommodation as to any potential/future COVID-19 vaccination requirement. See Forward Together’s Vaccine Verification FAQs for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccines & Children
Children ages 5 years and older are able to get an age-appropriate dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. To find an age-appropriate dose for a child, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
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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Unable to report to campus for class, work, or other assignments due to COVID-19.
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.
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