Frequently Asked Questions
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University leadership is continually working on how we will return and increase operations on campus. The variety of functions and work settings on campus makes a single, prescriptive instruction unlikely to be appropriate or effective. While we will continue to monitor a variety of factors with respect to resuming campus operations, the most important ones relate to the local transmission of disease and impact on El Paso’s health care system.
Our return to campus will be guided by our mission as a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education, advancing discovery of public value, and positively impacting the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.
How do I sign up to get the vaccine?
Recipients are prioritized based on recommendations from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). For those UTEP faculty, staff or students who are to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a secure email will be sent that includes a link for electronic scheduling.
On April 12, 2021, UTEP launched a streamlined vaccine registration process. If you completed the consent and questionnaire at vaccinequestionnaire.utep.edu prior to April 12, 2021, please re-register at utep.edu/vaccineregistration. You will receive an email with a link to schedule an appointment. If we do not have enough vaccines to meet the demand for the current week, you will receive another email to make an appointment for the following week's clinic.
How far in advance can I schedule my appointment to be vaccinated?
UTEP is scheduling vaccination clinics based on current vaccine availability. We will not schedule people until we have confirmation from the shipper that the vaccine is on its way to the University.
Who is eligible to receive a vaccine at UTEP?
Currently, all adults in Texas are eligible for vaccination. At this time, UTEP is administering the vaccine in accordance with CDC and state guidelines to current students, faculty and staff. When vaccine allocations allow, we have expanded our program to include individuals among our retirees and faculty emeriti, and household members of our students and employees.
How do I schedule an appointment for my second vaccine dose?
If you received the first dose of the vaccine at UTEP, your second dose vaccine appointment will take place at the same time and location as your first dose appointment, on the date listed on your vaccination card, which is 21 or 28 days after your initial dose. You will receive an email as that date approaches. No additional action is required from you to book your appointment. Please bring your vaccination card with you to the appointment.
Why is it important that I return for the second COVID-19 vaccine dose?
It is strongly recommended that you receive the second vaccine injection so you can benefit from the vaccine’s full protection against coronavirus. After your first vaccination, you will only be about 50 percent protected from COVID-19. That means that you can still get sick, and you can still spread the virus to others. A week after you receive the second vaccine, you should be 94% to 96% protected against COVID-19.
What if I lose my vaccination card before my second dose appointment?
Please take care not to misplace your vaccination card. Your card is provided by the state to identify which vaccine you received and when it was administered. Please keep your card in a safe location and bring it with you when it is time for your second dose. If you lose your card, please email covid19vaccination@utep.edu to make arrangements.
Yes! There is still a chance you can get and spread COVID-19, even after you are fully vaccinated. The CDC recommends that you continue to follow these best health practices to protect yourself and others.
What paperwork do I need for my vaccine appointment?
Please be sure to bring your Miner Gold Card with you on the date of your appointment.
Where can I park on the date of my appointment?
You may park in the Sun Bowl Parking Garage. Signs will direct you to the correct entrance. After you exit the garage, please follow the signs to enter the IDRB through the main doors facing University Avenue.
I need to cancel/reschedule my appointment. What do I need to do?
It is highly encouraged that you keep your vaccination appointment. If you need to reschedule, please email covid19vaccination@utep.edu as soon as possible to make arrangements.
I tested positive for COVID-19 recently or in the past. Can I still be vaccinated?
Researchers still don't know how long immunity lasts after having COVID-19, and therefore, it is recommended that individuals get the coronavirus vaccine even if they have had COVID-19.
The CDC states that vaccination of persons with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. While there is otherwise no recommended minimum interval between infection and vaccination, current evidence suggests that reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. Thus, persons with documented acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in the preceding 90 days may delay vaccination until near the end of this period, if desired. You may participate in UTEP’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program after your isolation period has ended.
Who will be administering the vaccine?
Trained professionals, including pharmacists, nurses and trained pharmacy students under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, will administer the vaccines.
Yes, everyone who receives a vaccine through the UTEP program will be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
Will you have EMS available in case of an emergency?
An emergency medical technician will be available on site to monitor and treat any potential adverse events.
Will any actual doctors be available on site?
No physician will be on site. There will be Doctors of Pharmacy on site that the federal government has authorized to prescribe and administer the COVID-19 vaccines.
If students or employees are eligible to be vaccinated through another place, they should not delay being vaccinated.
Are coronavirus vaccines safe?
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority while federal partners work to make this and other COVID-19 vaccines available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. Read more about how the CDC and FDA are ensuring the safety of coronavirus vaccines.
Will coronavirus vaccines give me COVID-19?
Getting a coronavirus vaccine will not give you COVID-19. None of the vaccines currently being developed, tested and distributed in the U.S. use the live virus that causes COVID-19; they use other methods to stimulate our bodies to recognize and fight the virus. Learn about how COVID-19 vaccines work.
What are the possible side effects of coronavirus vaccines?
The COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from contracting the virus. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Will coronavirus vaccines cause allergic reactions?
As with any vaccine, an allergic reaction is possible but rare. If you know you have severe allergic reactions, you should make sure you receive the coronavirus vaccine in a medical setting where these rare reactions can be effectively treated. Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Will there be a cost or copay for the vaccine?
There is no cost for the vaccine administered at UTEP.
Will I receive proof of vaccination?
During your vaccination appointment, you will receive a paper vaccination record indicating the date that you received the first injection of the vaccine, and the date when you should return for the second dose.
I don't want the vaccine. Am I required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, but it is encouraged.
