Early Bird

The latest on Covid-19 and campus operations

Expanded booster-shot eligibility and the ongoing need for masking, social distancing and good hygiene.

By Larry Samper, chief operating officer

October 28, 2021

Dear Roadrunners,

With the weather cooling and the holidays right around the corner, we have officially entered flu-and-respiratory-illness season. At the same time, Covid-19 hospitalization rates in Colorado are climbing, with unvaccinated people comprising nearly eight of every 10 hospitalized patients. While this data serves as a strong reminder to get vaccinated and to get your booster shot (if eligible), it’s also a reminder that properly wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing your hands remain important tools in fighting the community spread of Covid-19.

Moderna and Pfizer boosters now available at the Health Center

The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech boosters are now available at the Health Center at Auraria for all fully vaccinated employees who received both doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine more than six months ago.

Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may also be eligible to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna booster at least two months after vaccination through recently approved mix-and-match protocols.

The Health Center at Auraria is averaging 100 booster-shot appointments daily, but many slots are available and eligible Roadrunners are encouraged to get their shots as soon as possible. (Please note that the Health Center at Auraria will not offer vaccinations for community members ages 5-11 as community pediatricians are better-equipped to serve that population.)

To receive a Covid-19 booster shot, employees must: 

• Have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months prior. 

OR

• Have received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at least six months prior.

All Metropolitan State University of Denver and Auraria Campus faculty and staff members and student employees who meet timing requirements are eligible to receive Covid-19 booster shots per the occupational-setting qualification.

Visit MSUDenver.edu/booster-shots for more details about Covid-19 booster-shot eligibility.

Scheduling your booster appointment

Appointments are required for the vaccine booster and must be scheduled online at Healthcenter1.com. The boosters will be administered in the Plaza Building, Room 111, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You should bring a copy of your vaccine card to your booster-shot appointment. Alternatively, if you do not have a vaccine card and received your vaccine in Colorado, you can access your immunization record through the Colorado Immunization Information System or by using the myColorado™ app. 

Flu shots

Due to the limited supply of flu shots received and ongoing Covid-19 vaccine and booster-shot distribution, flu shots will be administered only in tandem with a Covid-19 vaccine or booster. For individuals who want a flu shot without receiving a Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot, and for those who have not yet met the six-month threshold for booster-shot eligibility, flu shots can be obtained at a community pharmacy, grocery-store pharmacy or other provider. 

Other health and safety protocols

While we’re putting a lot of emphasis on vaccines and booster shots, that doesn’t negate the need for continued masking, social distancing and good hygiene. We are proud that there has been no on-campus transmission of Covid-19, and I believe our masking protocols in particular are largely to thank for that. Students and employees have also reported that the University’s masking protocols are a big reason they feel safe on campus and that masking protocols have helped reduce their health- and safety-related anxiety. That said, please continue to wear your mask at all times when indoors, for your own safety and for others’.

As always, please check out the Safe Return Faculty Staff Guide, including guidelines around student mask noncompliance.

For any questions not addressed on the website, please contact roadrunnersafereturn@msudenver.edu. Thank you again for your hard work in supporting our safe return to campus.    

Sincerely,    

Larry Sampler    
Vice president for Administration, Finance and Facilities and chief operating officer