Sept. 7 - Vaccine deadline, employee testing begins
Section 1
Green lane the day before the tree trimmers came; Vista del Campo. Photo by Ian Parker
Each day, a UCI expert will answer one of your questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants or the future of work. Submit questions via email.
Today’s question is fielded by UCI Health:
Does the vaccine cause infertility or affect our genes?
The vaccines do not cause infertility or affect any of our genetic code. The COVID-19 vaccines do not enter the part of the cell where DNA is housed, and do not and cannot affect our genetic material. In addition, the vaccine only stays in the body very briefly and is taken up by the cells in our arm. It does not move from the arm to the reproductive organs. During the vaccine trials, when participants were asked to refrain from becoming pregnant, over 20 people who received the vaccine became pregnant during the trials, suggesting the vaccine does not cause infertility. If you are pregnant when you receive the vaccine, the vaccine ingredients do not cross the placenta. The only thing that crosses to the baby are the protective antibodies that your body makes in response to the vaccine. Over 150,000 pregnant people in the U.S. have chosen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and, so far, there is no evidence of infertility or harm to the baby.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Deadline to upload your COVID-19 vaccine was yesterday
The deadline to upload your COVID-19 vaccination record or to submit an exception or deferral request was Sept. 6. Both students and employees who have not yet uploaded either a record of their COVID-19 vaccine or applied for an exception will receive out-of-compliance notices beginning today.
Employee asymptomatic testing begins this week
Employees who have not submitted proof of full vaccination, are not yet fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, or have an approved or in-process exception or deferral are required to participate in weekly asymptomatic testing. Notice of weekly asymptomatic testing will be sent via email, and notified employees will be directed to the Working Well asymptomatic testing webpage for information regarding testing frequency, locations and scheduling instructions.
Teach children how to prevent the delta variant's spread
As children return to classrooms, playgrounds and team sports amid another surge in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant, they need to know how to prevent the virus’ spread, especially among those under age 12 who can’t be vaccinated yet. Dr. Susan S. Huang, medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention for UCI Health, explains why the delta variant is so concerning and offers tips parents can follow to protect their children.
Vice provost for academic planning and institutional research appointed
Distinguished Professor Roxane Cohen Silver is appointed as vice provost for Academic Planning and Institutional Research, effective October 1, 2021. In her new role, Professor Silver will be responsible for academic planning and will work closely with the schools to develop new degree programs and academic units. She will serve as UCI's accreditation liaison officer for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and will lead the Academic Planning Group.
Jacobs Foundation awards UCI $11 million to improve digital tech for children
The Jacobs Foundation has awarded a five-year, nearly $11 million grant to UCI for the creation of a collaborative network to help tailor digital technologies for children. Digital experiences had become a common part of how children learn, play and socialize well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people represent 1 in 3 users of the internet globally. Yet online spaces and tools are often not designed to offer kids the types of support and opportunities for learning that they need.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Get ready to vote
The California gubernatorial recall election is seven days away - make a plan now to cast your ballot. UC offers important dates and helpful tips.
The chances of a breakthrough infection
Yes, delta has increased the chances of getting COVID for almost everyone. But if you’re vaccinated, an infection is still uncommon. How small are the chances of the average vaccinated American contracting COVID? Probably about one in 5,000 per day, and even lower for people who take precautions or live in a highly vaccinated community.
EVENTS
Institute for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Thursday at 10 a.m. (sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence)
Is the U.S. Constitution Up to the Task of Preserving American Democracy?
Thursday at noon (sponsored by UCI Law Fair Elections and Free Speech Center)
Visit today.uci.edu to see and submit event listings. Events of general interest will be shared in UCI Digest two days before they occur.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Covid Deaths Surge Across a Weary America as a Once-Hopeful Summer Ends
The New York Times, Sept. 5
Cited: Andrew Noymer, associate professor of public health
UC Irvine working to bring at-risk Afghan scholars fleeing danger to campus, safety
Daily Pilot, Sept. 4 (Front page print edition)
Cited: Jane O. Newman, professor of comparative literature
UCI Finds Disparities in COVID Infections, Deaths
Orange County Business Journal, Sept. 6
Cited: Daniel Parker, assistant professor of public health, infectious disease epidemiologist
COVID-19 NOTIFICATION AND RESOURCES
New campus cases
Five on-campus students tested positive for COVID-19 between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7. For more information, visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard.
Potential workplace exposure
UCI provides this notification of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure. Employees and subcontractors who were in these locations on the dates listed may have been exposed to the coronavirus. You may be entitled to various benefits under applicable federal and state laws and University-specific policies and agreements. The full notification is available on the UCI Forward site. If you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19 case, the UCI Contact Tracing Program will contact you and provide additional direction.
For COVID-19 questions
UCI Forward - information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health
UCI Coronavirus Response Center - available at covid19@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-9918
Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services - assistance with vaccines and vaccine uploads; available at contacttracing@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-2300
Program in Public Health chatline - answers to questions about COVID-19
For questions specific to your personal health situation, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.