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Dear Colleagues,

In accordance with the University’s updated immunization policy announced yesterday afternoon (Dec. 21), UVA Health will require all team members to receive a booster shot by Feb. 1, 2022, to extend the immunity provided by their first series of COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement is being announced after careful consideration of current and projected public health conditions, including the rapid progression of the omicron variant, and is central to our on-going commitment to safe patient care.

As we are learning, COVID-19 is formidable and continuously mutating. Public health officials now advise that COVID-19 vaccines become less effective over time and that booster shots serve as an added defense against the virus and its new strains, including the highly contagious omicron variant. As we affirmed with the original requirement of the COVID-19 vaccine, we firmly believe that increased immunity is the most important thing we can do to protect our team members, our patients and our communities. 

If you have not yet received a booster shot, please be aware that UVA Health will provide more details in the coming days about booster eligibility and how to fulfill this new requirement. As always, thank you for your steadfast dedication to UVA Health and the care of our patients. 

Sincerely,

K. Craig Kent, MD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Virginia

Bobby Chhabra, MD
President, University Physicians Group

Pam Cipriano, PhD
Dean, School of Nursing

Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center

Melina Kibbe, MD
Dean, School of Medicine