Dear CSN Family,
As you are aware, Nevada has begun its COVID-19 vaccination efforts. I’m pleased to report that NSHE Chancellor Dr. Melody Rose has shared information with the NSHE community regarding vaccine distribution within the system.
Vaccine inoculation for residents is being guided by the requirements established by the Vaccination Program Playbook and CDC guidelines. The system includes four tiers, with sub-group priorities within those tier groups. Tier 1 includes healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and law enforcement and public safety officials. The State of Nevada plan includes various NSHE personnel in Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
In supporting the state’s effort, CSN is working with our partners across southern Nevada to conduct vaccinations. Working with the Southern Nevada Health District, University Nevada School of Medicine/UNLV, and University Police Services, we are collaborating across the valley to support the needs for deployment of the vaccine for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 for NSHE employees and our affiliated contract personnel.
All of our CSN family — faculty, staff, students, and our contract personnel — are important to us and we want everyone to have access to the vaccine as soon as possible. We will work with our partners to provide vaccinations to all of our CSN family as quickly as possible.
Availability and receipt of vaccines is uncertain, and we are unable to say when members of each group will be contacted to be vaccinated. Please understand that this is a changing environment and that priority tiers are subject to change based on revised and updated guidelines. We will provide updates as received.
Prioritized roles within NSHE
The initial vaccinations dispensed by NSHE will first be given to remaining members of Tier 1 within NSHE and may include qualified individuals in the broader community.
NSHE has prioritized roles at its institutions as defined under Tiers 2 and 3 in the state’s plan in this order:
- Instructors (faculty) teaching in person during the spring semester
- Employees in facilities maintenance and custodial services currently working on campus
- Staff and student employees currently providing in-person services
- Instructors (faculty) teaching remotely during the spring semester
- Faculty and staff who typically have low to no in-person contact or who are working remotely
- All remaining students
Times and locations
The CSN Henderson Campus Student Union and the UNLV Student Union will serve as vaccination locations. Vaccinations are dependent on the availability of supplies and will begin January 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the UNLV Maryland Parkway campus. Vaccinations at the CSN Henderson campus are anticipated to begin on or about Tuesday, January 19, dependent on receipt of equipment and availability of staffing and supplies/vaccines. The CSN Henderson campus will also operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments will be required at both locations. You will be provided with specific location information when your appointment is confirmed.
Again, the initial vaccinations that will be provided at UNLV and CSN will be given to individuals in Tier 1 who are with NSHE and in the broader community.
How to register
CSN faculty, staff and students in Tier 1 will begin to receive emails this week with a link to register through a portal. Individuals in Tiers 2 and 3 will receive an email invitation to register when their roles become eligible for vaccinations.
A few important things to note about registration:
- You will complete registration information and your role will be crosschecked to determine when you are eligible for vaccination. Please enter all information as your appointment may be canceled if full information is not provided.
- You will be asked to upload a photo of your insurance card. While your insurance will be billed for services, you will not receive a bill and will not incur a personal charge for the vaccine.
- You may be able to select a preferred date and time for vaccination based on appointment availability. If appointments are not available, instructions will be provided through the registration site. You will receive an email confirmation. Do not go to the vaccination site without confirmation.
What to expect
When you arrive at the vaccination site for your appointment, you will need to show identification by NSHE ID and/or other form of confirmation that will be provided regarding your role with CSN and state issued ID such as a driver license. You will also need to provide your insurance card. Remember, stay home if you’re not feeling well or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
After you get your vaccination, you will be provided with a CDC vaccination record card noting the type of vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) you received and the date you will need to return for your second dose. Depending on the vaccine you receive, you will be scheduled to return 21 to 28 days later. It is vital that you return for your second dose for the vaccination to effectively protect you against contracting COVID-19. You will receive appointment reminders several days before your second dose appointment via phone, text email.
Information Resources
CSN has established a vaccine webpage. Questions you might have can be found in the links, including up to date information from the CDC, Immunize Nevada, and the Southern Nevada Health District. The Vaccine Playbook information can also be found on this site.
The environment is changing and while at this time there are two vaccines that have been approved for Emergency Use Authorization — Pfizer and Moderna — we are mindful that additional vaccines are in final trial or the review processes. Should you have any questions, please reach out to wellness@csn.edu. We are looking forward to having a dedicated town hall focused on the medicine and science of the vaccines early in the spring semester.
I wish you a happy and healthy start of the spring 2021.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada