Dear Members of the Mines Campus Community,
We know that many of you have questions about the availability of COVID-19 vaccines – and in particular, whether or not faculty, staff or students at Colorado’s universities and colleges will be added to a priority group ahead of the general public.
For reference, the State is currently providing COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible Coloradans in Phases 1A, 1B.1 and 1B.2 as outlined in the state’s vaccine distribution chart. According to officials, the state could be ready to move into Phase 1B.3 as soon as next week. Some in our community fall into one of those categories because of their age, high-risk health conditions, or because they are health care, public safety, or food service workers.
Most of us currently fall into Phase 3 (General Public), which is confusing in part because all student-facing pre-K-12 teachers and staff are included in Phase 1B.2.
Recently the presidents and chancellors of Colorado’s universities and colleges met with the Governor’s Office to request that all university and college student-facing faculty and staff be placed in a category after 1B.2 and before the general public. That request was denied. The rationale offered by the Governor’s Office was the projection that vaccines would be widely available by the summer and that we would all have the opportunity to be vaccinated before the start of the next academic year. We were disappointed by that outcome, and continue to advocate for priority consideration.
While that discussion continues, the president’s office is exploring setting up a vaccination clinic on campus, so that as the vaccine supply increases, we can offer vaccination to eligible members of our community as the State progresses through its implementation plan.
In the meantime, we encourage you to be familiar with State’s vaccine distribution chart and to explore all options available as you become eligible for vaccination. Several health systems and pharmacies have online registration systems. Visit CDPHE’s website for a complete listing and sign-up links. Jefferson County Public Health also shared some helpful tips for signing up for a vaccine appointment.
Please know that we will continue to advocate on your behalf with the State and that we are also moving forward with our own plans to make vaccinations available to our campus community.
For the latest updates on vaccinations and other COVID-19 related topics, please continue to read the Mines Climbs Together email delivered to your inbox every Friday. Vaccine updates – including information on protecting yourself from potential scams – are also available at https://www.mines.edu/coronavirus/covid-vaccinations/.
We’re almost there, Orediggers. As we all wait for the increased availability of vaccines, hang in there and keep wearing those masks, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from anyone you don’t live with, staying home when sick and washing your hands often.
Stay well and let’s keep each other safe,
Paul C. Johnson
President and Professor
Richard C. Holz
Provost and Professor
Peter Han
Chief of Staff