Dear UMB Community,

Distribution of the first vaccinations to prevent COVID-19 started last week, and I know many of you are wondering what happens next. Some of you may have already received yours or will soon be invited to schedule a time for vaccination based on current job responsibilities. We are working hard to ensure that vaccinations are distributed to those at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) whose jobs most require it.

To do so, we are coordinating with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). As I shared in the joint letter with Dr. Mohan Suntha, UMB and UMMS — as well as the state of Maryland and many other health systems across the country — will proceed with allocation of the COVID-19 vaccines according to the Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Ethical Principles for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine. These guidelines help ensure that the vaccine is allocated ethically across all populations while still in limited supply. I ask for your patience as policies are being developed and refined.

The SMC Campus Center will be transitioning to be the primary vaccination site for personnel from UMB, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and Faculty Physicians, Inc., all of whom will be vaccinated according to the distribution plans. UMB personnel will be key in supporting the distribution of the vaccine.

When offered the vaccine — whether at UMB or a community site — all UMB faculty, staff, and students will have the option to receive it or not. I encourage you to review the facts; for me, receiving the vaccine is the safe way to achieve protection for myself and those I care about. Consult with your physician as you deem appropriate.

We will continue to share news and information about the vaccine and COVID-19 policies as they come available. Please use UMB’s COVID-19 website as a resource.

Thank you for your leadership in doing everything possible to protect yourself and others. It will take all of us working together to end COVID-19. I especially want to thank our many front-line workers who continue to care for others throughout the holidays.

Stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

President