COVID-19 vaccines for colleagues now are available

The updated COVID-19 vaccines have arrived at Nebraska Medicine Employee Health and are ready for colleague distribution. The new COVID-19 shots are not boosters, but rather an updated vaccination to match the most common variants currently in circulation.

Medical center employees and students can receive their COVID-19 vaccine by visiting a drop-in flu vaccine clinic at Nebraska Medical Center or Bellevue Medical Center, beginning today, Oct. 5. Due to limited resources, COVID-19 vaccines will not be offered at a Tuesday, Oct. 17, drop-in flu vaccine clinic at ECCP.

Med center colleagues must bring their photo ID badge with them to get vaccinated at drop-in clinics. Remember to fill out the health questionnaire before arriving.

COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available at Nebraska Medicine health centers and outpatient pharmacies by the end of next week. Once they are available, employees can visit these locations if they are unable to attend a drop-in clinic. Nebraska Medicine hopes to offer COVID-19 vaccines in acute care settings for colleagues who work in these areas, but those details still are in development.

COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are not required but are strongly encouraged for all eligible employees. However, all colleagues must document their COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status in the Health Tracking System, including if someone declined the vaccinations or received them at another location. Vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations must be reported to regulatory bodies. If a colleague receives these vaccines from on-site clinics, they will automatically be recorded, and colleagues do not need to take additional action.

Additional volunteers are needed to help with check-in, traffic control and vaccine administration at drop-in vaccine clinics. Sign up here for a shift if interested. Be sure to get approval from a manager before volunteering.