Vaccination Opportunities Reportedly Increasing; Second Doses Planned

University Relations

Student nurses give vaccinations during an earlier clinic.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for eligible University of Arkansas employees should grow in the coming weeks with a reported increase in the supply of vaccines across the state. U of A Emergency Manager Matt Mills urges patience though, as there may be a lag between potential supply increases and any resulting uptick in the availability of vaccination appointments.

"The limited supply of available vaccines at this time is slowing down the vaccination process, and that situation isn't expected to change overnight," Mills said. "We've received some positive reports about increased numbers of vaccines that will be provided in the future, but that is likely still a few weeks away. So, we ask that our campus community please remain patient as we continue to reach out to eligible employees directly regarding any available vaccination appointments through the university. And of course, employees can seek vaccination off campus as well."

SECOND DOSES PLANNED

Those who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through the university will soon have the opportunity to receive their second dose. Those eligible for the second dose will be notified directly to confirm specific date and time information. The second dose opportunities are by appointment only.

The following overview may be helpful but eligible employees are urged to use the direct email appointment reminders to confirm specific appointment information.

FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVED FIRST DOSE ON CAMPUS JAN. 20

Those who received their first dose shot at the SEC Club on Jan. 20 will receive their second dose at the same location on Wednesday, Feb. 10, between the hours of 10 a.m and noon. You may show up at the same time as your original appointment or at a time that works best for you during that time frame. 

Emails were sent to all participants in this group last week by Matt Mills, emergency manager.

FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVED FIRST DOSE ON CAMPUS JAN. 23

Those who received their first dose shots at the SEC Club on Jan. 23 will receive their second dose at the same location on Saturday, Feb. 13, between the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments for this second dose group/date are being scheduled at the same exact times as the first dose appointments were scheduled last month.

You will receive an email and/or text from Colliers Drug regarding your appointment time. 

FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVED FIRST DOSE OFF CAMPUS

For those who received their first dose shot off campus, through an opportunity coordinated by the university at Washington Regional Medical Center, second dose appointment dates and times will vary.

You will receive an email from Matt Mills, emergency manager, regarding the date and time for your second dose appointment. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I need to take?

Those with appointments to receive the vaccine from eligible providers, including mass vaccination clinics, must bring the following for verification (those without an appointment will be turned away):

• University photo identification
• Insurance card
• Driver's license or other form of photo identification 
• The individualized letter from the university recently emailed to employees
• First dose confirmation card (if receiving your second dose). IMPORTANT: If you have lost your card, then you are responsible for contacting the pharmacy/provider directly for a replacement. The university does not have access to this record.

If I have an appointment, can I also bring family members?

No. Only eligible, active employees with appointments may receive the vaccine on campus at this time. Retirees and family members of employees are not eligible for vaccination through the university. 

Will Pat Walker Health Center provide COVID-19 vaccinations at some point?

Pat Walker Health Center has applied for approval to be a COVID-19 vaccination provider. Until that approval has been received from the Arkansas Department of Health, eligible employees can check with area pharmacies to see if they are accepting vaccination reservations or take advantage of vaccination opportunities provided by the university by appointment only.

Whom do I ask if I have questions about this process?

If you have questions or need further information regarding the vaccination process or anything pertaining to COVID response, please contact hrassist@uark.edu.