CASPER, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming said on Friday that over 100 employees have already had a COVID-19 vaccine dose administered “and plans are in the works to make the vaccine available to other members of the UW community.”
UW said that about 350 employees are eligible to receive a vaccine during the first phase of the Wyoming Department of Health’s priorities.
UW Police Department Sergeant Chad Bade was among the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose Friday at the Mountain View Medical Park building, which UW recently acquired.
“I feel like it is the least I can to do help get back to normal,” Bade said in UW’s announcement. “As first responders, we come into contact with the public on a regular basis, and we don’t always know if someone has the virus or not. So, by having the vaccine, it is another level of protection — not only for me, but also for my family and loved ones.”
UW said that employees eligible to receive a COVID vaccine under Phase 1a of the vaccine distribution plan include:
- UWPD employees
- Student Health Service employees;
- employees involved in UW’s COVID-19 testing program
- College of Health Sciences clinical providers
- Student Affairs and UW Operations employees who work with students in quarantine and isolation
- athletics trainers
“Eventually, COVID-19 vaccinations are expected to be available to all employees and students, in accordance with priorities established by the state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” UW said.
The university is working with Ivinson Memorial Hospital and Albany County Public Health toward a plan to make vaccines available to all UW students and staff along with all residents of Albany County.
“After those in Phase 1a are given the opportunity to receive the vaccine — those vaccinations are scheduled to continue next week — the process will move to Phase 1b, which has yet to be finalized,” UW said. “The university continues to advocate for UW educators teaching face to face to be included in Phase 1b.”
“While the state has not yet released specifics on who may qualify during Phase 1c — such as certain high-risk individuals — UW’s Department of Human Resources is working on an online platform for employees to notify the university that they are at high risk and desire to receive the vaccine when it becomes available.”
People can submit 1uestions about UW’s COVID-19 vaccination plans to COVIDVX@uwyo.edu.
UW also provides information regarding COVID vaccination online.
