The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread rapidly across our nation as the more transmissible omicron variant displaces the delta variant as the most dominant strain of the coronavirus. Booster shots, social distancing and proper use of personal protective equipment are the best way to help reduce risk.
To protect our patients, campuses and the communities who depend upon us for care, UNMC faculty, staff and students are now expected to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as they are eligible and to document it in the medical center’s Health Tracking System (faculty/staff) or My Records (students).
Current eligibility for vaccine boosters is six months (sooner for those with weakened immune systems) after the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months after a Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine. This past summer, the medical center announced a requirement that all faculty, staff and students to be fully vaccinated (two-doses of Moderna or Pfizer or single dose of J&J) or have an approved exemption.
UNMC’s expectation to receive a booster currently is not included in the vaccination policy. However, campus leaders continue to weigh the possibility of requiring vaccine boosters to help reduce transmissibility and ensure the safety of faculty, students and staff, as well as the community and the continuity of our academic, clinical and research operations. The policy may be revised in the future based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and scientific data.
For now, UNMC faculty, staff and students are expected to:
- Get a COVID-19 booster as soon as they are eligible;
- Document their booster in the Health Tracking System (faculty/staff) or My Records (students). Employees or students having trouble entering information should call the IT help desk at 402-559-7700.
- Properly wear a well-fitting, quality mask on campus and in public.
- Maintain social distancing when eating on campus, even if vaccinated or in small groups. (This is a change from previous guidance, which allowed up to five individuals to eat together unmasked and socially distanced.) Individuals may continue to eat in cafeterias and other spaces designated for eating, but must maintain social distancing, regardless of vaccination status.
- Remain fully masked in private settings on UNMC campuses (conference rooms, study rooms, break rooms and private offices) when gathering in groups of five or less, even if vaccinated. (This is a change from previous guidance, which allowed these individuals to interact without masks.) Masks are not required when working in an enclosed office. They are required when working in a shared airspace.
- Remain masked when working in cubicles unless six feet of physical distancing is maintained.
- Self-monitor and acknowledge — through use of the self-screening tool 1-Check UNMC app — that you do not have signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19 before coming to campus each day.
- Stay home if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 or flu.
- Avoid crowded, indoor events; and
- Remain diligent in helping to protect one another and reduce transmissions.
Nebraska Medicine is administering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at pharmacy and clinic locations. For more information or to schedule a dose, visit NebraskaMed.com/vaccine. Boosters also are available at retail pharmacies across the state, as well as local health departments and medical providers. To find a location visit vaccines.gov.
Questions about COVID-19 boosters? Email healthsecurity@unmc.edu; a multidisciplinary team is available with the latest information.