Jan 8, 2021
Happy New Year! We hope that you were able to rest and recharge during the winter break.
The year opens with optimism that the final chapter of the COVID-19 era is within reach. Vaccines arrived at health care institutions throughout the country last month, and our colleagues at UCI Health have vaccinated more than 6,500 medical professionals, clinicians and other patient-serving workers – our front-line heroes for nearly a year.
At this point, immunizations are for health care workers and long-term care residents only, as outlined in the state’s vaccination plan, so vaccinations for the broader campus community are not available.
UCI leadership is working with state and local government partners to determine our role in the next phases of the program. The Chancellor appointed a planning team to help the campus prepare for vaccine distribution if we are asked to serve as a distribution site. More information on the local distribution plan is in today’s Orange County Register. It’s too early to determine the availability or specific timing of immunizations if UCI is chosen as a vaccine provider. We will share plans and details as soon as possible.
We strongly encourage you to take the vaccine once it is available – whether it’s through UCI, your health care professional or other designated provider. For more information on the vaccine, please see the UCI Forward or State of California websites.
As always, your health and well-being are our primary concern. May you and your loved-ones have a happy, healthy and safe 2021.
With Thanks and Best Wishes for Year Ahead,
Hal
Hal S. Stern, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Chancellor’s Professor, Department of Statistics