COVID-19 Vaccine Information

January 31, 2022 Update

Consistent with a legal opinion issued by the Virginia Attorney General on January 26, 2022, Radford University will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots for students as a general condition of enrollment or in-person attendance. Weekly testing for students not fully vaccinated is no longer required. All employees and students, regardless of campus location, are still required to wear facemasks indoors.  Several locations across campus will continue to provide disposable masks and KN95 masks.

We are extremely proud of the diligence of our Highlander family and your continued efforts to promote the health of our community. COVID-19 testing and booster clinics will remain available for all employees and students as we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the health and wellness of our campus. We encourage our employees and students who receive a booster to submit documentation.

The upcoming booster clinic is listed below.

Date:  Friday, Feb. 11

Hours: 10 a.m. – noon

Location: Heth Hall, room 014

What to Bring: Valid ID and vaccination card

Registration is required.  See link below.

February 11, 2022 Registration

• Moderna
• Johnson & Johnson
• Pfizer

We are working to schedule additional clinics at RUC and will provide the time and location once those are scheduled.

Please continue to visit www.radford.edu/covid for up-to-date information. We also recommend staying abreast of COVID-19 developments and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities.

January 17, 2022 Update

Change in Employee COVID-19 Protocols

As we begin our spring semester, we want to ensure our Highlander family continues to receive information regarding COVID-19 practices and protocols.

In observance of Governor Youngkin’s executive directive, Radford University employees will no longer be required to provide vaccination status and participate in associated testing protocols. The university remains committed to provide resources to help ensure the safety and well-being of our campus communities. COVID-19 testing will remain available for interested asymptomatic employees and the campus-wide indoor masking requirement remains in effect.

There are no changes in our requirements of COVID-19 vaccination, booster and testing for students. We will continue to monitor the well-being of our campus coupled with the COVID-19 landscape and communicate any changes in our policies and procedures in a timely manner.

Note: Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation for Radford University Employees

Radford University employees follow updated CDC guidance for shortened periods of isolation and quarantine.

• Employees who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status should isolate for five (5) full days. Isolation can end on day six (6) if you are asymptomatic OR fever free without assistance of medication for 24 hours and any symptoms are improving. Loss of taste or sense of smell may persist and do not need to delay the end of isolation.  A well-fitted face mask should be worn days six (6) through ten (10) any time when around others, both indoor and outdoor. If an employee is severely ill, guidance should be provided by a healthcare provider.
• Employees NOT up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and exposed to a person confirmed positive with COVID-19 should quarantine for five (5) full days and get tested at least five (5) days after last close contact. A well-fitted face mask should be worn for ten (10) full days anytime around others whether in your home or other places. Monitor health and watch for symptom development for ten (10) days after last close contact. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately.
  
• Employees that are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and exposed to a person confirmed positive with COVID-19 do not need to quarantine unless symptoms develop. A well-fitted face mask should be worn for ten (10) full days anytime around others. Testing at least five (5) days after last close contact is suggested. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately.

Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for regularly updated information.

January 6, 2022 Update

Vaccine/Booster

Vaccination remains the most effective tool to combat COVID-19. The CDC recommends COVID-19 booster shots at two to six months after the initial vaccine series completion, depending upon type of vaccine received (five months after Pfizer, six months after Moderna and two months after J&J). Effective immediately, Radford University is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include the requirement of booster shots for students within fourteen (14) days of eligibility. Fully vaccinated students currently at or beyond the booster eligibility window must provide documentation of receiving the booster by no later than February 15, 2022. Students not yet eligible to receive a booster must do so and provide documentation within fourteen (14) days of eligibility. Documentation of the COVID-19 booster can be uploaded through the secure Medicat portal. Students enrolled in a fully online program with no in-person engagement or physical presence on campus remain exempt from the vaccine and booster requirement, as do students previously receiving a medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible students that do not provide documentation of being boosted by the February 15, 2022 deadline or within fourteen (14) days of booster eligibility may be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing and may not be eligible to register for future semesters.   

Faculty and staff are also required to disclose their booster status within fourteen (14) days of eligibility. Fully vaccinated faculty and staff at or beyond the booster eligibility window must disclose their status, using the Employee COVID Booster Submission Form no later than February 15, 2022. Employees not yet eligible to receive a booster must do so and provide documentation within fourteen (14) days of eligibility. Eligible employees that do not provide documentation of being boosted by the February 15, 2022 deadline or within fourteen (14) days of booster eligibility may be required to participate in COVID-19 testing.

Boosters will be available, at no cost, to interested students, faculty, staff or contractors during entry testing on main campus, January 13-16, 2022 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Boosters will be available, at no cost, to interested students, faculty, staff or contractors at RUC on January 21, 2022. Time and location will be provided.  Additional booster clinics will be scheduled at both locations.

September 6, 2021 Update: New Testing Hours

To better serve and meet the needs of the main campus community, COVID-19 testing hours have been adjusted. Testing is available in Young Hall at these hours:

• Monday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tuesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Wednesday 3 - 6 p.m.

August 24, 2021 Update: Vaccines Available at Club Fair

In partnership with the New River Health District of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), COVID-19 vaccines will be available at Club Fair on Friday, August 27, 2021 between 1 – 4 p.m.  Students, faculty and staff are welcome to visit VDH at the table between Ingles and Draper Halls on Moffett Lawn.

August 17, 2021 Update: Employee Vaccination Status Form

As the fall semester begins at Radford University, we want you to know we remain focused on the health, safety and well-being of our Highlander Family. On August 5, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Directive Number Eighteen -Ensuring a Safe Work Place.  As outlined in the Directive, all employees must disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status to Human Resources no later than Wednesday, September 1, 2021.  

You are required to complete the Employee Vaccination Status Form regardless of vaccination status.  If fully vaccinated, you will be prompted to upload a copy of the front of your vaccination card.

Vaccines will be available for faculty and staff Tuesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 21 from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Young Hall.  Any employee not fully vaccinated by September 1, must undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, complete the daily symptom tracker and complete an online form each week documenting your COVID-19 test results.  COVID-19 testing will be available to employees throughout the semester on the following schedule;

Main Campus – Young Hall

*These testing hours were updated on Sept. 6, 2021 to better serve the main campus community

• Monday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tuesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Wednesday 3 - 6 p.m.

Radford University Carilion- 3rd Floor Boardroom

First and Third Wednesday
Second and Fourth Friday
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Employees can also be tested off campus at any testing site of their choice.  All records regarding your vaccine status will be maintained by Human Resources.  Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.

Radford University is implementing a vaccine requirement for students attending in-person classes and/or activities. This vaccine requirement is effective with the Fall 2021 semester and must be met prior to students arriving on campus or in the area for the start of the semester as any delayed compliance could pose a significant risk to the immediate campus.

Students enrolled in a fully online program with no in-person engagement or physical presence on campus are not subject to the vaccine requirement as they pose a limited health and safety risk to the immediate campus. Additionally, an exemption process for either a medical or religious reason is available.

For students, both new and returning, taking Fall 2021 classes, all vaccine related documentation, either demonstrated compliance or requested exemption, is required by August 2, 2021. Electronic submissions can be uploaded via a secure Medicat website at https://radford.medicatconnect.com. As an alternative submission process, a paper form can be downloaded, completed, and returned to the University. All submissions must be received by the August 2, 2021 deadline.

Students who submit their documentation before August 2 will be eligible for a prize drawing the Friday after they submit, and all students who get their information in before the August 2 deadline will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2021 semester.

Questions regarding the overall process and/or an individual situation can be submitted via e-mail to vaccine@radford.edu or healthrecords@radford.edu. Additionally, the Dean of Students Office can be contacted at (540) 831-6297 for those needing assistance by phone.

As a follow-up to the past week’s announcements and clinics, please be advised that COVID-19 vaccines will be available on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 and Wednesday, April 14, 2021 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dedmon Center through the riverside entrance. Registration is required utilizing an online system provided by the New River Health District. Tuesday’s registration is available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4da8ae2aabfece9-covid197, and Wednesday’s registration is available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4da8ae2aabfece9-414

For confirmed appointments, main campus students should arrive at the Dedmon Center no more than five minutes early and follow signage to the riverside entrance. When arriving for a vaccine appointment, a Radford University issued student identification must be shown as part of the check-in process. A government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport, is also required.

All individuals should download and complete the “COVID-19 Encounter Form,” which is available as part of the online registration process. Any individuals under 18 years of age should contact Director of Emergency Management Peter McCann at pmccann@radford.edu for additional information.

This vaccine opportunity represents the final set of clinics to be offered for Radford students. Therefore, if you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine and wish to do so, this is an important opportunity to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and others. The vaccine is recommended even if you previously had COVID-19. Please strongly consider the great benefits of being vaccinated!

As a follow-up to yesterday’s announcement, please be advised that COVID-19 vaccines are available today (Thursday, April 8, 2021) until 2:30 p.m. at the Dedmon Center through the riverside entrance. No registration is required, but you must bring your Radford University issued identification with you. Those who participate in today’s clinic will receive the Moderna vaccine.

If you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine and wish to do so, this is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and others. The vaccine is recommended even if you previously had COVID-19. Please strongly consider the great benefits of being vaccinated!

As the vaccine rollout continues across the Commonwealth of Virginia and in our local community, I am pleased to share that COVID-19 vaccines are being offered to Radford University students with clinics in Radford tomorrow (1,000 vaccine appointments available) and Roanoke on Friday (500 vaccine appointments available). Information has been distributed to all Radford University students. Please encourage your loved one to check their @radford.edu e-mail for the pre-registration link. 

It is critically important that your Radford University student pre-register as walk-ups are not permitted. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, pre-registering as soon as possible is the best way to ensure an available vaccine. Please note that additional vaccines are anticipated to be available next week on the main campus with specific details forthcoming.

Please strongly encourage your Radford University student to consider the great benefits of being vaccinated. The vaccine represents a wonderful opportunity to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our campus, as well as your family and the broader community. And, it is recommended for individuals who had COVID-19. Again, we will ensure additional opportunities are provided, and every interested Highlander receives a vaccine as soon as possible!

As the vaccine rollout continues across the Commonwealth of Virginia and in our local community, I am pleased to share that COVID-19 vaccines will be available tomorrow (Thursday, April 8, 2021) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dedmon Center through the riverside entrance. If you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine and wish to do so, this is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and others.

Please note that pre-registration is required, and walk-ups will not be permitted. To register for tomorrow’s vaccine clinic, which is being held in partnership with the New River Health District, <link provided to main campus students.>

As part of tomorrow’s clinic, there are 1,000 available appointments, which will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that additional vaccines are anticipated to be available next week with specific details forthcoming.

For confirmed appointments, main campus students should arrive at the Dedmon Center no more than five minutes early and follow signage to the riverside entrance. When arriving for a vaccine appointment, a Radford University issued student identification, specifically a ONE Card, must be shown as part of the check-in process. A government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport, is also required.

The vaccine is recommended even if you previously had COVID-19. Please strongly consider the great benefits of being vaccinated. Again, we will ensure additional opportunities are provided, and every interested Highlander receives a vaccine as soon as possible!

As the vaccine rollout continues across the Commonwealth of Virginia and in our local community, I am pleased to share that vaccines for Radford University students studying in Roanoke, specifically at Radford University Carilion (RUC) and the Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC), will be available this Friday (April 9, 2021) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Highlander House located on the 4th floor of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital.

Please note that pre-registration is required. To register for this Friday’s vaccine clinic, which is being held in partnership with the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts and Carilion Clinic, <link provided to students in email.> Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each RUC and RHEC student is limited to a single appointment and should utilize their @radford.edu e-mail address to verify an active status as a Radford University student studying in Roanoke. RUC and RHEC students should arrive no more than five minutes before their confirmed vaccine appointment. When arriving for a vaccine appointment, a Radford University issued student identification, specifically a ONE Card, must be shown as part of the check-in process.

This Friday’s clinic at RUC in Roanoke will include administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to those who pre-register. Please note that the University continues to work with the New River Health District regarding vaccines for main campus students. The above registration link is for RUC and RHEC students only. If you have any questions about this Friday’s vaccine clinic or have issues registering using the provided link, please contact the RUC Student Health Nurse at 540-795-3273.

If you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, this is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and others. Please strongly consider the great benefits of being vaccinated!

Since the beginning stages of the pandemic, Radford University has been working in close collaboration and full partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). We are so proud of the work that they are doing and the progress they have made. Like citizens across the Commonwealth, Highlanders are eagerly awaiting a time in which students, faculty, and staff are able to receive vaccines.

As VDH works diligently to vaccinate our fellow citizens in a priority order as determined by the state, Radford University has been asked to distribute a Student Vaccine Interest Survey. All students should complete the survey by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 2, 2021. The survey results will assist in determining the number of vaccines needed for Radford University students. As such, your participation in the survey is critical and will better inform public health officials in their planning and implementation efforts.

This week, faculty and staff, which are included in Phase 1C, have an opportunity to be vaccinated through a campus clinic. This is an important step for our campus as we remain equally committed to vaccine availability and administration for Radford students. Although a confirmed timeline for student vaccines has not been provided, VDH is working as quickly as possible to provide vaccines to all interested individuals. As additional information becomes available, a detailed update will be distributed to all students.

As a follow-up to Monday’s announcement and Wednesday’s message about next week’s campus clinic for Radford University faculty and staff to receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, please be reminded that the University’s registration system is available <link provided to faculty and staff by email.> Individual appointments for this coming Tuesday (March 30, 2021), Wednesday (March 31, 2021), and Thursday (April 1, 2021) are still available in 15-minute intervals between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Dedmon Center through the riverside entrance. Registration will close today (Friday, March 26, 2021) at noon. If you have not already received a vaccine or registered utilizing the above link, you are strongly encouraged to register now. Do your part to keep our campus, our community, and our Commonwealth healthy and safe!

As a follow-up to Monday’s announcement regarding next week’s campus clinic for Radford University faculty and staff to receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, I am pleased to share that the University’s registration system is now available <link provided to faculty and staffy by email.> Individual appointments for this coming Tuesday (March 30, 2021), Wednesday (March 31, 2021), and Thursday (April 1, 2021) are available on a first-come, first-served basis in 15-minute intervals between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Once your appointment is made using the registration system, you will be sent an e-mail confirmation. Registration will close this Friday (March 26, 2021) by noon at which time no additional appointments can be made. You are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Please note that the University is running an internal verification process to ensure all registrants are eligible. Any individuals who register but do not meet the eligibility criteria of being a currently employed and active full-time or part-time faculty or staff member will be contacted by a University representative, and their registration will be cancelled. Also, multiple registrations for one individual will not be permitted. Please be reminded that retired faculty and staff, as well as student workers, are not eligible for vaccinations as part of next week’s campus clinic.

Once you complete the registration process using the provided link, a form is available for download on the confirmation page. This form needs to be printed and completed in advance of your appointment and brought with you to the Dedmon Center with parking available in Lot Z and a dedicated entrance on the riverside. Please do not arrive more than five minutes prior to the start time of your scheduled appointment. Upon arriving at the Dedmon Center and entering on the riverside, please have your Radford University issued identification or a recent paystub readily available as part of the on-site verification process. You must also bring a valid government photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

If you experience symptoms following your vaccine and are unable to work the next day, you should contact your immediate supervisor regarding your absence and take sick leave. If you do not have any sick leave available, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 540-831-5008 or hr@radford.edu for individual assistance.

The campus clinic represents a critical step and significant milestone in moving beyond the global pandemic. As such, all faculty and staff are strongly encouraged 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!

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!

Since the beginning stages of the pandemic, Radford University has been working in close collaboration and full partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). We are so proud of the work that they are doing and the progress they have made. Like citizens across the Commonwealth, Highlanders are eagerly awaiting a time in which faculty and staff, as well as students, are able to receive vaccines. This is an important step for us both as individuals and as a community!

At this time, our region continues to provide vaccines for those in Phase 1A and 1B. On the main campus in the Dedmon Center, we have been proud to host community clinics. Last week, a community clinic provided an opportunity for nearly 2,700 local residents to receive the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Another clinic for community members in Phase 1A and 1B is being held today. If you are included as part of Phase 1A or 1B due to your age, health, or other factors, you are encouraged to pre-register <links provided in email.> It is anticipated that you will receive confirmation for a vaccine appointment as quickly as possible as the state is moving to an automated and integrated registration system and a larger vaccine supply is anticipated in the coming weeks.

As previously shared, higher education personnel are included in Phase 1C. If Radford University faculty and staff plan to receive a vaccine through a University clinic, pre-registration through the state system is not required as the University will coordinate the campus-based clinic. The University continues to work closely with VDH on vaccine logistics. Based on a recent conversation with Dr. Noelle Bissell, New River Health District Director, the University will hold a vaccine clinic in mid-April. This is wonderful news, and something that we can look forward to in the next 30 days or so! We are awaiting similar details from the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts.

We remain equally committed to vaccine availability and distribution for our students. At this time, we do not have a projected timeframe for when this will occur. However, we know that VDH is sharply focused on implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure all Virginians have the opportunity to receive a vaccine as quickly as possible. In the interim, all Radford University students, faculty, and staff should continue to wear face coverings, exercise physical distancing, and limit social gatherings!

Radford University is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regarding the availability and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty, and staff. As the Commonwealth of Virginia works diligently to vaccinate our fellow citizens in a priority order as determined by the state, Radford University, through the Student Health Center, has completed the required VDH process to request the ability to serve as a vaccination site.  Vaccine updates, as they become available, will be shared with the campus community and posted here.

VDH has requested that Radford University distribute an Employee Vaccine Interest Survey. The survey link was provided to all faculty and staff via e-mail on January 8, 2021.  All faculty and staff are asked to complete the survey by 5:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2021.  The survey results will assist in determining the number of vaccine doses needed for Radford University faculty and staff. As such, participation in the survey is critical and will better inform public health officials in their planning and implementation efforts.  Although a confirmed timeline for such vaccinations has not been finalized, VDH has advised that faculty and staff are likely to receive vaccines in early spring, while students are likely to receive vaccines in late spring.