January 8, 2021
Dear SMU Community,
SMU has received approval from the state to be a COVID-19 vaccination provider for the campus community. Initial supplies allocated to our campus have not arrived yet but are expected in the near future. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center will administer the vaccine in phases according to the state’s vaccination plan. The first phase (1A) allotment of a limited supply of doses is designated for campus health care workers and SMU police.
As SMU receives additional allotments, distribution to the campus community will follow the state’s 1B guidelines which prioritize both people who are 65 and older and/or who have at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk from COVID-19. This includes students, faculty and staff who fall into either category. SMU employees who were required to work on campus during the pandemic’s “essential workers only” operation last spring are eligible to receive the vaccine next in this phase of distribution.
State health officials have emphasized that no vaccine should be kept in reserve. The University will, therefore, make the vaccine available to next-level eligibility groups once the current phase has been served rather than allowing vaccines to expire.
Plans are in place to offer the vaccine to all faculty, staff, adjunct faculty and students as well as dependents of SMU employees and retirees as supplies become available. However, we encourage you to take advantage of the first opportunity to receive the vaccine regardless of whether it is through SMU or another provider. Check with your primary care physician or pharmacist or visit the Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations map for additional vaccination sites and availability.
More information on when the allotments will arrive on campus as well as how to register for the vaccine will be forthcoming. SMU strongly encourages every member of our campus community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to stay Mustang Strong.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randy Jones
Executive Director Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, SMU