12.6.21

Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff –

I share my support for President Killeen’s earlier message today about the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster if you are eligible. With the latest scientific data indicating the important role boosters play in supporting a robust immune response to the COVID-19 virus, we should consider this an opportunity to again do our part to help stem this virus and protect ourselves and one another. While the influence of the Omicron variant remains to be determined, what we do know is that the Delta variant is still with us and stressing our health systems. Paired with the waning efficacy of vaccines over time, we appear to be at yet another important moment in our fight against this virus. Please do your part to help end the pandemic.

I strongly encourage each of you to schedule a booster shot at your earliest convenience if you haven’t yet done so. Appointments are available in the Springfield area at local pharmacies, the Sangamon County Department of Public Health and through our community medical providers. You also can find booster appointments anywhere in the country at vaccines.gov. Please be sure you are aware of all eligibility factors (age, date of last dose of vaccine, etc.) before scheduling your booster.

We are exploring how each of us could update our patient portal records to reflect boosters or third doses. The UIS COVID-19 Rapid Response Team is working to determine the best and easiest approach. No action is required on your part at this time regarding uploading booster documentation; we will send another communication when this process has been established.

As we have throughout this pandemic, we will continue to made decisions based on the best scientific information and data available. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for continuing to stay United in Safety.

Karen

Karen M. Whitney, PhD

Interim Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield