Weekly Update: Vaccine Progress, Boosters and Incentives

The following message was sent to all of campus on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. 

Campus Community,



Over the past two days, I’ve had the opportunity to share the UK story with our Board of Trustees. 

It’s a story of shared commitment and incredible progress. It’s a story of compassion and determination — built upon a foundation of the most simple but profound idea: that we care. 

You see that idea in our strategic plan, the UK-PURPOSE to advance Kentucky, which the board approved this morning. 

You also see it in our continued progress in vaccinating our community. Vaccines represent our best defense in protecting ourselves and those around us. As of yesterday, we are approaching 89 percent of our campus being partially or fully vaccinated. 

A more specific breakdown of the vaccination numbers is below:

• Faculty: 97 percent
• Staff: 92 percent
• Students: 86 percent
• The campus: 87 percent
• UK HealthCare: 92 percent

Thank you for your role in increasing these rates. You are helping us remain among the safest communities in the state and, arguably, the country. You are allowing us to provide the transformative residential experience that distinguishes the University of Kentucky.

You can read the latest results and other data related to our COVID response here.

Some other quick updates:

Employee vaccine incentives: Employees who have been vaccinated are eligible to participate in our employee incentive program. If you are interested, you can read more information, including prizes and eligibility, here. 

Student vaccine incentives: Students who have been vaccinated also are eligible to participate in our student incentive program. If you are interested, you can read more information, including prizes and eligibility, here.

Boosters: Go to ukvaccine.org to sign up for an appointment if you are eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This sign-up process is the same one we used last academic year for our vaccine clinics. Other details include:

• You must bring your CDC vaccination card or proof of vaccination to the appointment. Replacement cards cannot be issued at the booster appointment. Walk-up appointments will not be accepted.
• At this time, you do not have to have a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. You can read more about UK and booster shots here.

Remember, we also encourage you to get your flu shot when you come in for a vaccine at one of our locations. 

Thank you for the care you demonstrate each and every day.

Eli Capilouto

President