Oct. 28 - Booster updates; rethinking baseball MVPs; commuter lounge

Rethinking baseball MVP choices

With Atlanta and Houston tied at one win apiece in the World Series, MVP talk is already underway. But will the final pick truly be the most valuable player? UCI economist Mike McBride discovered that in 15 of the last 30 years, the title went to the wrong player, based on an analysis of who mattered most in delivering the team's win. In an episode of UCI’s ExpertsON series, McBride explains a new metric that puts team contributions, rather than individual skill, at the forefront.

Commuter lounge opens

Students who live off-campus and don’t have time to head home during long breaks between classes can now hang out in UCI’s new Commuter Lounge, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Located near the first floor entrance to the Student Center, the lounge is equipped with lockers, Wi-Fi, a microwave, a refrigerator and comfy seating.

Updated booster shot guidance

Under the CDC’s latest guidance, UCI employees are eligible for a booster shot six months or more after completing their initial Moderna, Pfizer or J&J vaccination. The CDC and the University of California recommend boosters for people who are:

65 years and older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

The last category includes higher-education employees. At this time, UCI is not organizing employee vaccine clinics on campus. But the shots are widely available at pharmacies and other providers. UCI Health patients can also receive vaccine boosters at UCI Health clinics, including Gottschalk Medical Plaza (log into MyChart for additional information).

Halloween tips from UCI Health

Outdoor trick-or-treating should be safe this year, national health experts say. But there are some guidelines to keep in mind, courtesy of UCI Health. Rule No. 1: Wear a mask, even outside.

Health plan open enrollment starts today

It’s that time of year again. Faculty, staff and retirees have until Nov. 19 to review and make changes to their health coverage and other UC benefits. There’s even a digital “personal benefits coach” named Alex (no relation to Alexa) to help with the process.

UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS

Who had breakthrough COVID cases?

An analysis shows which demographic groups and types of vaccine fared better during the delta surge this summer.

UCI IN THE NEWS

How People Who Feel ‘Invincible’ to COVID-19 Are Hampering Herd Immunity Efforts

Healthline, Oct. 27
Cited: Bernadette Boden-Albala, founding dean of the Program in Public Health

Can I Get the MMR Vaccine While Pregnant?

Verywell Family, Oct. 25
Cited: Dr. Jennifer Jolley, an OB-GYN with UCI Health and associate clinical professor

Could this Chinese herb end the opioid epidemic?

KCBS Radio, Oct. 23
Cited: Olivier Civelli, professor of pharmaceutical sciences

COVID-19 NOTIFICATION AND RESOURCES

Three new campus cases

One employee and two students tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. For more information, visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard.

Remember to upload your vaccine record

Student Record Upload

Employee Record Upload

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 Health COVID-19 FAQs

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.