Dear Pitt community,
During the past week, we have seen a 10% increase in the number of Pitt affiliates who have uploaded proof of vaccination. Based on the data received as of Aug. 24, the disclosure rates are below:
Overall reports of vaccination status
- Faculty: 66%
- Staff: 69%
- Graduate students: 48%
- Undergraduate students: 74%
Pittsburgh campus
- Faculty: 69%
- Staff: 71%
-
Undergraduate students: 77% have reported their vaccination status
- On-campus undergraduate students: 95%
- Off-campus undergraduate students: 56%
- Graduate students: 48%
Bradford campus
- Faculty and staff: 66%
-
Students: 69%
- On-campus students: 83%
Greensburg campus
- Faculty and staff: 74%
-
Students: 57%
- On-campus students: 82%
Johnstown campus
- Faculty and staff: 62%
-
Students: 64%
- On-campus students: 82%
If you are vaccinated and have not yet uploaded your proof of vaccination, please do so now! It’s simple to upload a photo of your vaccination card. In order to avoid mandatory testing next week, upload your proof of vaccination no later than Saturday, Aug 28, 2021.
Pfizer approval
The FDA this week issued full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. This should continue to give people confidence in vaccinations as a safe and effective tool. Melissa McGivney, deputy director of the COVID-19 Medical Response Office, associate dean for community partnerships and professor of pharmacy and therapeutics in Pitt’s School of Pharmacy, notes that Pfizer’s full approval is an important step in the fight against this public health crisis. All COVID-19 vaccines have been and remain safe and effective. We hope that with the formal approval of the Pfizer vaccine, more people will get vaccinated.
Remember: The Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center has expanded hours through mid-September and offers all three vaccines. Walk ins are welcome and appointments are open to the public.
Mandatory virus testing begins next week
In order to avoid mandatory weekly testing, please upload proof of vaccination by midnight, Saturday, Aug. 28.
As previously announced by the University, all members of the University community who are unvaccinated or have failed to disclose their vaccination status are required to comply with certain mitigation measures on all campuses, including regular testing. Because these measures may adversely impact the ability of unvaccinated people to fully participate in the classroom, as well as their access to University buildings, we are asking you to promptly confirm your vaccination status.
Breakthrough cases and testing
While vaccination is the best tool we have for protecting ourselves against COVID-19, it is still possible for vaccinated individuals to become infected. These “breakthrough” cases are rare, and the chances of ending up in the hospital from a breakthrough infection are even more rare. However, breakthrough cases can transmit to others. Please take this seriously. Monitor your own health closely. If you have any symptoms, do not interact with others and get tested through Student Health or MyHealth@Work. Asymptomatic faculty and staff may order COVID-19 tests through Quest, even after being vaccinated. Asymptomatic students can also order tests through Quest. There is no limit to the number of tests you can order, but you must use the test within 3-5 days of ordering. More details related to testing for vaccinated individuals are forthcoming. Keep checking coronavirus.pitt.edu for updates.
Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Medical Response Office
