Twenty-five percent of University of Maine System employees are now eligible for vaccination, Chancellor Malloy urges voluntary participation with goal of becoming Maine’s most vaccinated workforce
Orono, Maine — The University of Maine System informed employees today that they are eligible for two hours of paid administrative leave time that can be used to get the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Faculty and staff were also informed that UMS managers will help make vaccination a workplace priority and provide the flexibility they need to get vaccinated when it is their turn.
“I was fortunate to get my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week. Doing so was simple and pain-free,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “I urge every member of our faculty and staff to join me in doing the same. As soon as it’s your turn, please get vaccinated.”
Some UMS employees or students have already been vaccinated including those working directly on COVID-19 response, including nursing students working on Maine’s vaccination campaign. Approximately 25 percent of the System’s 4,635 employees are 60 or older and also are now eligible to be vaccinated. If all goes according to plan, almost three-quarters of faculty and staff will be eligible by the end of the semester.
“We are incredibly proud of how our nursing students have volunteered to help with the vaccination campaign and know that vaccination is the safe, effective, and smart thing to do,” continued Malloy in a message to UMS employees urging voluntary participation in the vaccine campaign when it is their turn.
UMS is not requiring vaccinations because the COVID-19 vaccines have Emergency Use Authorization status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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DISTRIBUTED 3/5/21