See topics forCOVID-19 Information for Employees
Updated 11/9/2023
New COVID-19 Vaccine Available for UConn Health Workforce Members
UConn Health is continuing to offer its workforce the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna). Workforce members and learners with a UConn Health-issued ID can get the new COVID-19 vaccine at the Occupational Health Services Clinic in the Main Building on the ground floor (Room CG228). Appointments are required.
To schedule your vaccine at Occupational Health Services, workforce members should call 860-679-2893.
UConn Health encourages all employees and workforce members to receive their booster, whether at UConn Health or another providing location. The CDC highly recommends everyone receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for their protection from the virus.
Important Notes
- Remember to bring your UConn Health-issued ID Badge and your insurance card.
- There will be no out-of-pocket costs to workforce members; your insurance will cover the cost of the vaccine.
- Also, please review the online information sheet about the Moderna vaccine prior to your appointment.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get the new vaccination for COVID-19?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
Can you tell us about the new COVID-19 vaccines?
The latest vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech target more recent variants of the virus, specifically the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant.
When is the best time to get the updated vaccine?
If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, you can now get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.
If I just had COVID-19, how long should I wait to get the new vaccine?
Vaccine should be deferred until symptoms of the acute illness have subsided and the period of contagiousness and isolation has ended. People with recent infection may consider deferring vaccination for 3 months from symptom onset or a positive test if there were no symptoms.
Will the new vaccine have side effects or cause me to get COVID-19?
The new vaccine will not cause COVID-19. Some, but not all, people do get symptoms as side effects after getting vaccinated. Symptoms after a COVID-19 vaccine demonstrate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine to provide that protection from future exposure.
Why do we need our insurance card for a COVID-19 shot now?
Now that we are out of the public health emergency, this vaccination is no longer provided by the government. Therefore, it is billable.
Are we required to get this new COVID shot as part of UConn Health policy?
At this time, the updated COVID-19 vaccination is not mandated by UConn Health for those who have previously received the primary vaccine. Although not mandated, the CDC highly recommends everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.
What happens if I don’t have an insurance plan that covers the full cost?
Adults 18 years and older without health insurance and adults whose health insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs can get updated COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through the Bridge Access Program.
Is there an advantage to getting the shot here instead of going to my neighborhood pharmacist or local provider?
UConn Health is offering the vaccine as a convenience for our employees. In either case, your insurance carrier would be billed. UConn Health will be providing the Moderna vaccine. Other locations may have Moderna and other alternatives.
My last dose was the Pfizer vaccine. Does it matter if I get the Moderna one this time?
The CDC has determined it is acceptable to mix and match doses between Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
What’s the correct timing of this COVID-19 vaccine along with flu shot and RSV, if applicable?
You can receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time without impacting safety or effectiveness. Since this is the first season the RSV vaccine is available, there have not yet been formal studies into co-administering the RSV vaccine with either the flu or COVID-19 vaccines.
What’s the difference between the consent form and the authorization form?
The consent form allows UConn Health to administer the vaccine – an individual cannot receive the vaccine without completing the consent form. The authorization form allows UConn Health as a healthcare provider to share vaccine administration data with UConn Health the employer, in order to track and report on UConn Health workforce vaccination rates and related data.
Do I have to swipe out to obtain this COVID shot, or can it be done as part of my workday?
You do not need to swipe out for the appointment if your vaccination is scheduled at the Outpatient Pavilion or Occupational Health during your shift. But you do need permission from your supervisor to leave your work area for this purpose.
Do we still need to wait 15 minutes after injection to see if we get a severe reaction?
Generally, it is best practice that individuals who receive any vaccine should be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination. Those who have had any reaction to a prior COVID-19 vaccine and wish to receive another COVID-19 vaccine should discuss with their vaccine provider whether additional measures are needed.
If I have to miss work because of a reaction to the vaccine, do I have to use my own sick time?
Yes, the dedicated bank of COVID-19 leave provided in 2020 is intended for absence from work as directed by the UConn Health COVID-19 Call Center for a positive test, symptoms, or isolation because of a suspected case.
What is the best way to prevent COVID-19?
Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. While vaccination may not prevent all illnesses, studies have shown a reduction in the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
As with other respiratory viruses, it’s important to practice regular hand washing, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has respiratory symptoms. Strategies to protect others include covering coughs, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask when out in public if you can’t stay home and have symptoms.