Vaccine FAQs
Will all East Carolina University community members be eligible for the vaccine?
Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, ECU is offering the vaccine in phases based on priority groups determined by risk. Visit Vaccination Information to see which phases are active. Eventually, all ECU community members who are interested in receiving the vaccine will have an opportunity to be vaccinated.
There are two entities administering vaccines on ECU’s campus, ECU Physicians and Student Health Services. Faculty, staff and students are able to make appointments at either location.
How much vaccine will ECU receive?
The exact quantity and timing for shipments is continuously evolving. Vaccine quantities are determined by the state, and supply is distributed throughout North Carolina following guidelines determined by the state to ensure equity.
How will I know when I can receive the vaccine?
The ECU COVID-19 Vaccine website will indicate the current phase(s) for vaccine distribution. As we move into a new phase, communication will be sent to your ECU email with more details and instructions on how community members included in the particular phase can schedule an appointment for vaccination. Visit Vaccination Information to determine which phase is applicable to you. NCDHHS’ online tool, Find My Vaccine Group, helps North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get their vaccine. To find a vaccine site near you, visit the Vaccine Site Locator.
How many doses will I need to get?
Most of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in phase 3 clinical trials in the U.S. require two consecutive doses, three or four weeks apart, for the vaccine series. Other COVID-19 vaccines currently in development may use one dose. Pfizer’s vaccine, which ECU has received and begun distributing, requires two doses of the vaccine series 21 days apart.
What if I leave Greenville/Pitt County before my second dose?
If you leave Greenville/Pitt County during the summer months and are unable to return for your second dose, you can visit the North Carolina DHHS Vaccine Site Locator webpage to find a location near you. The site allows you to search by zip code and filter by vaccine type (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson). Keep your vaccination card handy so medical providers can confirm first dose information.
Is there a charge for the vaccine?
The vaccination will be made available to students, faculty and staff at no cost. However, insurance will be billed for administration of the vaccine and is covered without copay. If you are a State Health Plan member, the vaccine is covered 100% when you are eligible to receive it. While there is no member cost, the State Health Plan is paying for the administration of the vaccine, which is why it’s important to present your ID card. The vaccine is currently being paid for by the federal government.
I’m an ECU employee. Can I use work time to get my vaccine?
Employees may use paid work time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine either on or off campus depending on where and when it is being offered during work hours, with supervisor approval, not to exceed eight hours in a single day. This paid work time is also provided for a second dose of the vaccine, if required, also not to exceed eight hours in a single day. Employees must notify their supervisor of their need to be absent to receive the vaccination with as much notice as possible so that the work unit can prepare for the employee’s absence from the workplace.
Supervisors may request employees to provide proof the vaccine was received to have the use of work time approved. Supervisors should consult with Employee Relations on what would be appropriate to request from employees. COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave is available if an employee experiences a reaction to their COVID-19 vaccination that prevents them from returning to work, either on the day of the vaccination or on the following day.
How long will the vaccine appointment take?
The appointment for the vaccination will take approximately 30 minutes, including a 15-minute observation period after receiving the vaccine.
What do I need to bring with me to my vaccine appointment?
Please bring your mobile phone and your ECU 1 Card if receiving the vaccine through Student Health Services. Please refer to your appointment instructions for anything else that may be needed. If receiving your vaccine through ECU Physicians please refer to your appointment information for the items required.
If I get the vaccine, do I still need to wear a mask and practice physical distancing?
Yes. Vaccines may boost your immune system so it is ready to fight the virus if you are exposed, but it is not yet fully understood whether vaccinated people might still be able to transmit the virus. Initially, we will not have enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone who wants the vaccine, and the virus will still be transmitted. Therefore, wearing a mask and following other community expectations such as physical distancing and washing your hands often will help reduce your chance of being exposed to and spreading the virus.
I have a question not answered here. Where can I get help?
If you have any questions about the vaccination or our distribution plan, please email ecucovidvaccine@ecu.edu.
Additional Resources
National and state agencies also maintain frequently asked questions webpages about the COVID-19 vaccine. These pages are continuously updated with the latest information about the vaccines, getting vaccinated, distribution of vaccines, vaccine safety and more.