This message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it was emailed to faculty and staff on Jan. 27, 2021.
Last week, the University had an unexpected opportunity to secure vaccination appointments for more than 170 faculty, staff and affiliated employees who were eligible under Phase 1B Group 2 of North Carolina’s vaccination plan. With less than 24-hours notice, Human Resources personnel emailed and called every employee aged 65 and older to alert them of this opportunity through Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Twelve employees who currently qualify as frontline essential workers aged 60-64 were also able to take advantage of vaccine doses that otherwise would not have been distributed within the necessary time frame.
This opportunity was the first of many anticipated vaccination clinics available to Wake Forest faculty, staff and affiliated employees. The University has applied to be a vaccine provider and has plans to implement a vaccination clinic, when approved. In the interim, we will continue to work with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to identify opportunities for University employees to get vaccinated and will continue to follow NCDHHS prioritization guidelines to communicate to eligible colleagues. While the vaccine is not required by Wake Forest University, it is highly encouraged that all employees take advantage of these opportunities. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for free.
We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated now that COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States. While more COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Safety is a top priority, and there are many reasons to get vaccinated. Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to help stop the pandemic and get back to the people and places we love.
You can prepare for future opportunities like the one we had last week by closely monitoring your email and responding quickly to any notifications of vaccination opportunities. Continue to also pay attention to local plans for mass vaccination clinics and seek appointments through WFBH, Novant Health and the Forsyth County Health Department. You are also able to take advantage of opportunities offered in neighboring counties.
Thank you for your patience and continued diligent attention to recommended public health practices as we work to keep our University community healthy.
