Task Force Formed on Vaccine Distribution

Dr. Sacared Bodison, interim director of the University Health Center, and Dr. Spyridon Marinopolous, incoming director, sent the following email to the campus community this afternoon:

As you may know, COVID-19 vaccines will be available in 2021, and the University Health Center (UHC) is preparing for a safe and efficient vaccination plan for the UMD community. The UHC formed a Task Force on Vaccine Distribution, and it is working to:

• Make sure that staff, faculty and students receive accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines;
• Answer questions using the best available scientific and medical information;
• Follow CDC and state of Maryland guidelines for equitable vaccine distribution;
• Meet stringent manufacturer and government requirements.

The task force includes students, a Student Government Association representative, UHC staff, School of Public Health faculty, campus emergency operations staff, Division of Information Technology staff, and a Prince George's County health emergency leader.

The state of Maryland should receive a shipment of vaccines shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the vaccine for widespread use. You may hear this approval called "Emergency Use Authorization" or "EUA." You can find more information about the EUA process and the scientific review of vaccines at the FDA's website.

The state will distribute the vaccine, giving priority to hospitals and long-term care facilities. We will send university-wide emails and post information on vaccine availability and distribution at UMD as soon as we have more definitive information. We wish you a safe and restful end-of-semester break.

Please stay safe and remember the 4 Maryland healthy behaviors.

Sincerely,

Sacared Bodison, MD
Interim Director, University Health Center

Spyridon Marinopolous, MD
Incoming Director, University Health Center