COVID boosters bring rewards — in protection and time off

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and booster remain the best protection against severe illness from the virus, especially as cases continue to rise nationally and in the state.

UNC Charlotte is encouraging employees to receive their booster with an additional eight hours of paid leave. Eligible employees who receive their first booster on or before Aug. 31, 2022, will receive the leave. The eight hours may be used for any reason and are made possible through direction by the UNC System in conjunction with an executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Highlights about the leave

Permanent, time-limited and probationary employees are eligible for this leave (SHRA and EHRA non-faculty staff and leave earning faculty)

The leave is prorated for eligible part-time employees.

Temporary employees are not eligible.

This leave is available for the first booster shot received — second booster shots are not eligible.

The leave must be used by March 31, 2023, and will not be paid out upon separation from the University.

Employees whose booster information is on file with the University as of May 23, 2022, will see this leave reflected in Kronos by the middle of June.

Employees, including new hires, who receive and submit their booster information to the University by the deadline of Aug. 31, 2022, will see this leave reflected in Kronos a few weeks after their submission.

All eligible employees will receive additional information by Tuesday, June 7, regarding their booster status with the University. Please do not resubmit booster vaccination information before receiving this communication.There is no requirement to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster by UNC Charlotte employees.

Who is eligible for a first booster?

According to the CDC, everyone 5 years of age and older who has already received an initial COVID-19 vaccination series (two doses for Moderna/Pfizer or one dose for J&J) is eligible for a booster.

Who is eligible for a second booster?

Currently, anyone who is 50 years of age or older or who is 12 years of age or older and immunocompromised is eligible for a second COVID-19 booster.

Where can I receive a booster?

Boosters, and initial COVID-19 vaccinations, are available from most pharmacies and your local health care provider. If you need help locating a booster, visit vaccines.gov.

As a reminder, masks are not required on campus, but you are encouraged to consider wearing one when around other people to help further protect yourself. If you need a mask, you may pick one up at the help desk in the Popp Martin Student Union or in Atkins Library.