COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Radford University Faculty and Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Recently, I provided an update regarding the Virginia Department of Health’s recent progress and continued effort to vaccinate citizens across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In that update, I shared that vaccines for currently employed Radford University faculty and staff, both full-time and part-time, were anticipated by mid-April as our region moved from Phase 1B to Phase 1C in which higher education personnel are included.

I am incredibly pleased to share that the much-anticipated time for Radford University faculty and staff, including adjunct faculty, to receive vaccines will occur earlier than previously shared. In working with New River Health District Director Noelle Bissell, M.D. and her dedicated team, a campus clinic will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021; Wednesday, March 31, 2021; and Thursday, April 1, 2021 in the Dedmon Center. On these three dates, current faculty and staff will have an opportunity to sign up for appointments between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in 15-minute intervals.

The registration process will be coordinated through a separate University system – not the VDH system. The University registration system will open this Wednesday, March 24, 2021 and remain open until noon on Friday, March 26, 2021. As part of registration, a form will be provided, should be completed, and brought with you to your appointment. When arriving for your appointment, a Radford University identification card or recent paystub will be required in order to receive your vaccine.

When the registration link is provided this Wednesday, the type of vaccine, either Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson, will be confirmed. If you opt to not receive the vaccine due to the type being offered, you will lose your Phase 1C priority placement, and you will need to register in the VDH system and await an appointment confirmation for a later date. Again, next week’s clinic represents your opportunity to be vaccinated as part of Phase 1C.

Please note that you cannot bring a family member or loved one with you to your vaccine appointment regardless of their priority placement. Due to the active workforce requirement, retired faculty and staff are not eligible to be vaccinated on these dates. Additionally, student workers are not included in Phase 1C and are not eligible for a vaccine as part of the upcoming clinic.

If your work location is outside of main campus, such as Radford University Carilion, the Roanoke Higher Education Center, or the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, you are strongly encouraged to make a vaccine appointment and travel to main campus as the University has not confirmed – and may not be able to confirm – vaccine opportunities in these local areas based on initial discussions. Please note that individuals are not required to take leave in order to receive a vaccine as part of next week’s clinic. Additional leave details for those who experience symptoms, as a direct result of the vaccine, will be shared as part of Wednesday’s message.

As next week’s clinic represents a critical step and significant milestone in moving beyond the many challenges created as a direct result of this global pandemic, I strongly encourage every faculty and staff member to fully consider the benefits of receiving the vaccine. It is an important way to protect yourself and those you love, as well as our campus, our community, and our Commonwealth!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian. O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President