The U of A System Office has announced that eligible U of A employees will soon have access to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) vaccines covered with no out-of-pocket expense through United Medical Resources (UMR). 

The added coverage benefit will go into effect on Sunday, Oct. 1. Those eligible for coverage include: 

• Infants under 8 months of age  

• Pregnant members  

• Members age 60 and older  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. RSV is the primary reason for hospitalization of infants under 6 months. Vaccines help protect from severe instances of the virus. 

Common preventative measures to avoid the virus include: 

• Staying away from those who have respiratory virus symptoms 

• Washing and sanitizing high-touch surfaces in home and childcare spaces 

• Attempting to avoid crowded indoor situations and wearing a mask when necessary 

• Scheduling a visit with a doctor for the following signs of RSV: 

  • coughing 

  • congestion 

  • fever 

  • sore throat 

  • headache 

  • loss of appetite 

Open enrollment for 2024 plans will begin for U of A employees on Oct. 23, and additional updates about next year's benefits packages will be announced soon. Employees can view benefits information under the "Benefits and Pay" tab in Workday. 

For more information or questions, please email hrbenf@uark.edu.