Published December 30, 2021
We are sure you are all aware of the recent surge in COVID-19 in the St. Louis area, largely driven by the Omicron variant.
We encourage you to get a booster shot (if medically appropriate) to protect yourself. Primary vaccination and booster shots against COVID-19 reduce the severity of the disease and are recommended by the CDC.
Furthermore, current changes in guidelines suggest that boosters may limit the time needed in quarantine in the event of an exposure. Free boosters are widely available through many venues, including pharmacies. Please upload your booster information to ReadySet.
In addition, wearing a mask is still required on campus when in a room with other people. Wearing a well-fitting mask substantially reduces transmission. If you are eating or drinking, keep at least 6 feet from others and eat outside if possible.
Finally, I want to express my personal thanks to all of you for the way you have weathered this pandemic. We have done very well pushing boundaries and growing our research, in spite of the challenges. It has been my pleasure to get to know many of you over the past many years and to serve the research mission here at WashU as Vice Chancellor for Research. Please welcome Mark Lowe as the new Vice Chancellor for Research starting January 1, 2022 – I know you are in good hands.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lodge, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research
Mark Lowe, MD, PhD
Incoming Interim Vice Chancellor for Research