Dear AMS Students,

As you are aware, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Rhode Island Department of Health have issued guidelines for administration and monitoring. This vaccine requires two injections given 21 days apart. In addition, it is anticipated that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which also requires two injections but given 28 days apart, will be approved shortly.

We have had conversations with University Health Services and representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the state has placed clinical healthcare workers in Phase One of vaccine distribution. We are pleased to inform you that University Health Services will be in a position to begin providing these vaccines to medical students (likely with the Moderna vaccine) in January 2021 as part of the established healthcare worker prioritization, beginning with third- and fourth-year medical students. We feel that having University Health Services vaccinate those of you who wish to be vaccinated is the optimal approach, and will allow appropriate tracking of your vaccine status; enable close monitoring; and provide guidance for any potential adverse reactions, as well as ensuring that you receive the second vaccine dose in a timely manner.

I want to emphasize that, at this time, vaccination is encouraged but not mandatory, and is not a substitute for vigilance and consistency in practicing important safety precautions (e.g., wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing) that must continue even if you are vaccinated.

Our health systems (Lifespan and Care New England) will be receiving the Pfizer vaccine shortly and are establishing protocols for administration as soon as it arrives. They will prioritize recipients for administration based on recommendations from the CDC and the Rhode Island Department of Health. You may be doing rotations in areas identified for priority vaccination and, as a member of the healthcare team, would be offered the opportunity to be vaccinated. Should you choose that option rather than administration through University Health Services, it is still important that University Health Services receives documentation that you have been vaccinated, and are being monitored for adverse effects and administration of the second dose. Even for clinical students in these areas, vaccination through University Health Services may still be the optimal approach if you wish to be vaccinated.

Importantly, regardless of where you choose to be vaccinated, once you have committed to receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, your second dose must be from the same vaccine type. You can read the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation if you would like more information on the Pfizer vaccine.

Please reach out if you have any questions, issues or concerns.

Allan Tunkel
Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education