Dear University Faculty and Staff,

The State of North Carolina announced today that kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and support staff will become eligible for vaccination beginning Feb. 24. This group does not include college instructors or support staff.

The state indicated that beginning March 10 other essential workers in Group 3, including college instructors, food workers, custodians, clergy, law enforcement and security officers, and transit workers who are required to be physically present in the workplace to perform their job responsibilities and be in close contact with others on a regular basis as a part of their responsibilities will be eligible for vaccination.

The COVID Vaccination Work Group will work to determine which faculty and staff are included in Group 3. Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness will send eligible individuals direct email invitation after the state authorizes the scheduling of vaccination appointments.

As a reminder, the State of North Carolina allocates all vaccines to providers like Duke and the supply has been very limited. Last week, Duke Health received about 4,000 doses, but there are more than 50,000 individuals in Groups 1 and 2 who are on the waitlist for Duke Health. We expect it will take some time to complete vaccination of these groups.

We have seen a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 cases among students, faculty and staff in recent weeks. We are grateful for your efforts to help change the trajectory of the virus’ spread on campus. We must remain vigilant in wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of distance from others, avoiding gatherings of people, and washing our hands regularly to ensure this positive trend continues. These safeguards apply even if you have been vaccinated already. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh
Vice President, Administration

Carol Epling, MD, MSP
Director, Employee Occupational Health and Wellness

Gail Shulby, RN, MA, CPP
Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President, Duke Health

Cameron R. Wolfe, MBBS (Hons), MPH, FIDS
Associate Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Duke Health

Co-Leaders of the Duke COVID Vaccination Work Group