COVID-19 Information

January 28, 2021

Campus Community,

We know that there are many questions related to access and availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for members of our campus community. Information continues to change rapidly.  SIUE has regular and ongoing communication with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Madison County Health Department (MCHD) and East Side Health District (ESHD) throughout the COVID-19 vaccination process.   

SIUE has assembled a vaccination working team comprised of members from across campus to plan for and communicate with the SIUE community about vaccination access and education.   

The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations is available on the SIUE Coronavirus website.     
The following is important to keep in mind as we navigate this complex and quickly changing process: 

• IDPH does not specifically identify the higher education sector in its vaccination plan. 
• County public health department officials determine the individuals fitting the criteria outlined in each phase of the IDPH Vaccination Plan.  
• At this time, all vaccinations will be coordinated by the MCHD or ESHD through an iCare appointment system.  
• SIUE is actively working with MCHD and ESHD to identify groups of employees and students who qualify under Phases 1A and 1B based on the nature of their work, internships, practicums, field placements, clinical rotation or student teaching assignments.  
• Once identified and approved under the plan, SIUE Health Service will communicate with these groups to schedule vaccination opportunities.   
• It is unknown whether SIUE will host future vaccination clinics. 

We encourage employees and students to consider vaccination opportunities through the local public health districts or other vaccination locations such as healthcare systems and pharmacies.  

• Registration and scheduling can be completed now for eligible individuals. Links to local county health departments, healthcare systems and Illinois vaccination sites will be added as more information becomes available. 
• Some individuals may become eligible for vaccination sooner by registering or scheduling with their local health district or other vaccination location. 
• IDPH currently recommends that people who have had COVID-19 should plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine, because the science is currently inconclusive as to whether you will be naturally protected from a second COVID-19 infection in the future. The CDC currently suggests that if you were infected with COVID-19 during the previous 90 days, it is likely that you still have immune protection and that you will be asked to wait to receive your vaccine to allow others to be vaccinated first. 

As vaccinations become more readily available to the general public, all members of the campus community are encouraged to follow the guidance that will be communicated as we progress through the vaccination phases.   

SIUE will continue to offer weekly surveillance testing at all three campuses throughout the Spring semester.  SIUE has also added a team of contact tracers.  Our continuing commitment to mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing is critical, including those community members who have been vaccinated.   

Thank you.  

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor    
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs    
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement    
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration    
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs