West Virginia University has been notified that it should begin preparations to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses for its employees, potentially starting December 27 based on a phased distribution plan developed by theWest Virginia Joint Interagency Task Force.
“We are pleased that higher education will begin to receive doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and will assist the State in any way we can with distribution,” President Gordon Gee said. “I appreciate the Governor’s leadership as he leads us through this critical time.”
The first group to receive the vaccines will be critical hospital staff, nursing home residents and staff, health department staff and first responders. Higher education is included in Phase 1-D.
Based on recommendations from the State, WVU will prioritize voluntary vaccinations for employees with on-campus work assignments (including Beckley, Keyser and Health Sciences campuses in Charleston and Martinsburg) aged 65 and older with underlying medical conditions.
To assist in this effort, the University will send a questionnaire to employees who meet that identified criteria today (Dec. 11) via email. The deadline to respond is also Dec. 11 by 4 p.m.
Completedquestionnaires will be added to the WVU database, which will help to determine the distribution order of the vaccines. Employees will be alerted when a vaccine is available to them. Please note this does not guarantee access to the vaccines.
However, the State and WVU will work to meet demand as quickly as vaccines are available.
This is the first in a series of vaccine rollouts anticipated in the coming months. The University will provide updates and additional information as each new phase and rollout is announced including details on priority recipients and other criteria based on guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and WVU and other health experts.
Find FAQ and additional information at the Return to Campus website.
Email questions or concerns t0 covidvaccine@mail.wvu.edu.