Dear Panther Community,
It is an important and exciting time on campus as we approach finals, Fall Commencement, and a multitude of winter activities and events. During this time we encourage you to take steps to prevent yourself from becoming ill so that you can experience personal success and all that UNI has to offer. Steps you can take to protect yourself include getting vaccinated, obtaining your booster, and monitoring your health. For additional information, visit the CDC’s Protect Yourself webpage.
Omicron
You have probably heard a lot about Omicron in the past two weeks, but keep in mind that Delta continues to be the main variant circulating in the United States. Omicron has yet to be detected in Iowa, but is present in several bordering states. The CDC continues to collaborate with global public health and industry partners to learn more about Omicron and recently published a new webpage entitled Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know. We will continue to keep the UNI campus informed as more information becomes available.
Flu Shot Clinics Added
The Student Health Clinic (SHC) has added two additional flu vaccine clinics for employees and students this week. No appointment is needed, just walk in to the SHC during flu vaccine clinic hours on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 9-11 a.m. and Friday, Dec. 10 from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $30 for students without health insurance or the SHC will file a claim with your health insurance.
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.
Panther Health Survey
The university is continuing to use the Panther Health Survey to assist those who are:
-
Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status);
-
Have been exposed to COVID-19 and are unvaccinated (individuals who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after an exposure unless they have symptoms); or
-
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