For Immediate Release

The 星空无限传媒 System COVID-19 Dashboard published today includes self-reported student vaccination data that is substantially higher than the state average for the age group.

The 星空无限传媒 System COVID-19 Dashboard published today includes self-reported student vaccination data that is substantially higher than the state average for the age group.

鈥淚 commend each of our UA System campuses for their persistent and ongoing efforts to encourage widespread vaccination,鈥� said UA System Chancellor Finis St. John. 鈥淭his priority will remain our focus moving forward, as we know the COVID vaccine is safe, effective, and key to maintaining in-person operations.鈥�

According to the 星空无限传媒 Department of Public Health, 32.9% of individuals in 星空无限传媒 aged 18-29 have initiated COVID-19 vaccination. UA System initial reports indicate that student vaccination rates exceed this percentage. In addition, approximately 72.5% of UA employees, 72% of UAB employees, and 67% of UAH employees have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

UA System institutions continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Each institution is offering a vaccine incentive program to reward students for receiving the vaccine and uploading proof of vaccination to their secure health portal.

鈥淲e are pleased with the initial student vaccine data reports and will continue working to increase rates through integrated tactics, including pop-up vaccine clinics,鈥� said Dr. Richard Friend, dean of the UA College of Community Health Sciences. 鈥淲hile we are seeing a fraction of positive cases compared to this time last year, the statewide surge is serious, and we urge the community to remain vigilant, mask indoors, and get vaccinated.鈥�

Less than one half of one percent of the UA System student population 鈥� 194 students at UA, 72 students at UAB, and 54 students at UAH 鈥� tested positive for COVID Aug. 23 鈥� 29. Systemwide, 64 faculty/staff tested positive.

The UA System Health and Safety Task Force, comprised of public health and infectious disease experts and administrators from UA, UAB, UAH and the UAB Health System, is continuously assessing data and monitoring public health trends and guidance. The UA System Health & Safety Plan will be updated as circumstances warrant.