This Is Important
For the foreseeable future, everyone—including those who were vaccinated—must continue to practice protective behaviors including wearing a face covering, physical distancing, following testing protocols, avoiding nonessential travel, and other measures. This is important since it is not yet known if the vaccines protect against asymptomatic infection and consequently prevent transmission to others. In addition, it will take time to achieve high vaccine uptake (estimated at 70-80%) to achieve herd immunity, i.e., sufficient population-level protection from transmission of the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently two vaccines that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). These include the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. Read more.
Both vaccines use genetic material known as messenger RNA that instructs the body's cells to make a protein that mimics the spike proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. These vaccine-induced proteins then stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus. Read more.
The vaccines are currently being distributed to various states. In New York City, at present prioritization of the vaccine will follow New York State and CDC guidance. Read more.
Vaccine-related Announcements
Request for Volunteers to Support NYP Vaccination Effort
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia's partner at the Medical Center, is now facing the daunting task of vaccinating hundreds of thousands of patients while also dealing with the continued increase in COVID patients.
President Bollinger Marks the Beginning of the 2021 Spring Term
Everyone must continue to abide by all City, State, and University health and safety guidelines as Columbia navigates a precarious period in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forum: Columbia COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Please join one of two virtual town halls about COVID-19 vaccines and distribution on Tuesday, January 19, at 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, January 20, at 4:30 p.m.
Vaccination Town Halls
Each session included up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccines, how they are being distributed to CUIMC personnel, and a Q&A.
Each session included up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccines, how they are being distributed to CUIMC personnel, and a Q&A.
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer moderates a virtual discussion on the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine and obtaining herd immunity in New York City.
Wednesday, January 20
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
A webinar with up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and how they are being distributed to Columbia personnel, as well as information on how we are engaging with faculty, staff, and students.
The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to front-line health care personnel at CUIMC. Read about the rollout.