Privacy Statement

Terms of Use and Privacy Statement for the Let’s Talk: COVID-19 Vaccines Website (www.COVID19LetsTalk.org)

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY STATEMENT ("Statement") CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS SITE.

This website was created by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School through a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The statements and opinions displayed on this site are those of the individual doctors providing them.

We respect the privacy of visitors to this website and uses safeguards to the extent permitted by United States state and federal laws. We take your privacy seriously, and we want you to know how we collect, use, share and protect your information. This Statement applies to the information that we collect when you visit the Let’s Talk: COVID-19 Vaccines website, www.COVID19LetsTalk.org (“Site”). This Statement describes how we may collect, store, use and share certain information about you as well as the choices available to you when you use the Site.

What types of information do we collect about you?

When you access the Site, your visit is not tracked by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School using your individual name or any other personal information.  However, the Site uses Google Analytics which will track and collect information from your device from the time you access our Site, but the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School does not have access to personal information. Google Analytics has access to your location (city/state), device type, page views, browsing duration, and browsing interests. The information is automatically collected and is subject to those providers’ privacy statements. We encourage you to read those privacy statements.

We collect information that you voluntarily provide directly to us. Optional information is collected only if you choose to send it, for example if you choose to complete an online form or send an email. We are not requesting, and you should not provide, any personal information about yourself. Please be aware that if you send an email, this will provide optional information that may include your name, email address, and the content of your e-mail. 

What about personal information about people outside of the United States?

This Site is intended for general use and is viewable on the Internet throughout the world.  This website does not request or solicit your personal information, and you should not provide it.  However, if you are visiting this website from the European Union (EU), and you voluntarily provide personal information, that information may not be subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is located within the United States and the information related to its programs is published within the United States.  Personal information provided to us by users outside of the United States will be transferred to the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those of your home country. By using our website or providing us with your information, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to the United States, processed, and / or stored on servers in the United States. Your information will be used as provided in this Statement and all reasonable steps will be taken to protect your privacy in accordance with the applicable data privacy laws.  Should you have additional questions or need information regarding GDPR’s impact and its application to personal information provided to the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, please visit the GDPR website at the below link:

https://www.massachusetts.edu/general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr-compliance

Why do we collect the information?

We use the information we collect for things like:

  • Optimizing the performance and user experience of our sites

  • Operating, evaluating and improving our programs

  • Conducting research and analysis of our services

How do we collect the information?

  • Cookies - The Site utilizes "cookies" to enhance your experience on the Site and for marketing purposes. Cookies are text files that we place in your computer's, mobile devices, tablets, or other devices browser to help us improve your access to our Site and identify repeat visitors to our Site. These are small text files that collect and store information such as: how many times you visit the site, which pages you visit, your preference for language, font size, and accessibility services.  Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of visitors to our Site to enhance the experience on our Site. We may use cookies to understand Site usage and to improve the content and offerings on our Site. We also may use cookies to offer you products, programs, or services, or to provide you with personalized online display advertising tailored to your interests. In addition, we may use the services of third parties to collect and use anonymous information about your visits to and interactions with our Site through the use of technologies such as cookies to personalize advertisements.  Cookies do not store personal information about you, unless you voluntarily provide it. The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School does not collect any personal information about you unless you provide that information voluntarily by sending an e-mail or completing an online form. You may refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser. Your browser may also be set not to accept cookies. Please note that all or parts of our Site may not be functional or accessible to you if you refuse cookies or turn them off. Our Site will issue cookies as soon you visit the Site unless your browser cookie settings are adjusted to prevent such an occurrence.

 

  • Web Forms that you voluntarily complete to submit information.  We are not requesting, and you should not provide, personal information about yourself. 

  • Email communications that you voluntarily send.  We are not requesting, and you should not provide, personal information about yourself.

What do we do with the information? 

We may use your information to improve our website, programs, and services. We will not share your personal information to third parties, but may share other information you voluntarily provide (such as your feedback and suggestions) to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. 

Who will have access to the information?

Google, through the use of Google Analytics, collects some information (see above section “What types of information do we collect about you?”

We may share some information you voluntarily provide (but we will not share personal information) with the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities within the National Institutes of Health.

We may also share your information with government and law enforcement agencies or regulators to 1) comply with a legal process, subpoena, order or other legal or regulatory requirement applicable to us; 2) enforce our terms of use or other policies; or 3) pursue available legal remedies or defend against legal claims.

Terms and Conditions of Use:

By using and/or accessing this website, signified by the URL “www.COVID19LetsTalk.org”, you agree to these Terms of Use and this Statement. By using or accessing this Site you agree that you have read these Terms and Conditions of Use and this Statement and agree to be bound by them and comply with them. If you do not agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Statement, please exit this Site.   

How do we protect your information?

We use computer safeguards, including multifactor authentication, to protect your information. 

How long will we retain your information?

We keep your information for as long as needed to fulfill the particular purpose for which it was collected.  We may also retain your records if legally required or to fulfill a legitimate interest.

How will you be notified if our Privacy Statement changes?

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School reserves the right to change, modify, or otherwise amend this Privacy Statement at its sole discretion and at any time as it deems circumstances warrant. If the Privacy Statement changes, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School will post an updated privacy statement with a modification date. Please check back often for the most current version. Your continued use of our website after any change in the Privacy Statement will constitute your acceptance of such changes. 

Disclaimer of Warranty – While we try to maintain the information on the Site as accurately as possible, we disclaim any warranty concerning its accuracy, timeliness and completeness, and any other warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

How can you contact us?

If you have questions about this Privacy Statement, please contact the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School’s Office of Management at privacyandcompliance@umassmed.edu.