Dear WMU community,
Due to today's announcement that the FDA and CDC recommend pausing the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, Sindecuse Health Center will instead be administering the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at our already-scheduled clinics this week.
As planned, the clinics will be held at the Student Recreation Center on Wednesday, April 14, from noon to 4 p.m. and on Thursday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to noon.
We are grateful to the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department for providing Pfizer's vaccine to Sindecuse in light of the developments regarding the Johnson & Johnson product.
If you previously scheduled an appointment for Wednesday or Thursday and are willing to receive the Pfizer vaccine, you do not need to make any changes. However, you must be willing and available to return in 21 days to complete the vaccine series. Your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be scheduled at the time of your first appointment.
If you are not willing or able to return for a second dose, please cancel your appointment in the Sindecuse patient portal immediately. It’s critical that we do not waste vaccines.
Though the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was state-mandated to be prioritized for students, there is no such limitation on our administration of the Pfizer vaccine. This allows us to offer vaccination to any student, faculty and staff member who wants to make an appointment for this week’s clinics. This vaccine is approved for individuals who are 16 years old and older. Make your appointment right away using the patient portal.
There is no out-of-pocket charge for vaccinations administered during the clinics. Sindecuse collects insurance information and bills insurance as a normal part of our practice to recover costs from insurance companies. WMU will cover any cost not covered by insurance related to COVID-19 vaccination. All students—including out-of-state and international students—can be vaccinated regardless of their insured status.
Important information about the vaccination clinics at the Student Recreation Center:
- You should arrive at the clinic entrance five minutes before your appointed time.
- You’ll be screened for symptoms and expected to show a cleared green badge for identification.
- Allow 45 minutes for your appointment, which will include waiting 15 to 30 minutes after receiving a dose so we can monitor you for adverse reaction.
- Your second dose will be scheduled on-site.
- Wear loose-sleeved upper clothing so nurses can easily access your shoulder.
- Parking will be limited in Lot 13; walk, if you can.
- The entrance to the clinic is across from the parking lot.
- These clinics are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not allowed.
If you have a vaccination appointment scheduled at another provider and wish to reserve an appointment at WMU's vaccination clinic instead, remember to cancel the other appointment if you are still within the allowable time to do so.
Thank you,
Gayle Ruggiero, M.D.
WMU Medical Director
COVID-19 Response Coordination Team co-chair