SU mandates booster shots for students, faculty ahead of spring semester

Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie announced new requirements for the spring semester, including a mandate for all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff to receive a booster shot.

In a university-wide email, Haynie stated that all eligible students who routinely access campus facilities (both the main SU campus and locations abroad) must receive a booster shot “prior to the start of the spring semester, or as soon as they become eligible.”

Eligible students include individuals who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago and those who received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. After receiving their booster dose, Haynie said students should upload documentation to the Patient Portal.

Additionally, Haynie announced that all students, regardless of vaccination status, are required to receive a COVID-19 test upon their arrival to campus for the spring semester. Haynie said arrival testing will take place in the stadium and Kimmel Hall. A full schedule of testing hours will be communicated to the university community in the first week of January. The email also reiterated that under the Stay Safe Pledge, all students and faculty are required to receive their flu shot ahead of the spring semester.

The announcement comes amid a rise in COVID-19 cases on campus following Thanksgiving break. According to SU’s COVID-19 dashboard, as of Dec. 6, there are 75 active cases, with 24 new student cases and seven new employee cases. The campus mask level remains on Red, the highest level. According to data from June 23, 2021, the campus vaccination rate is over 90% among students and around 97% among faculty and staff.

Eligible students and faculty can visit Vaccines.gov to find a location to make an appointment to receive their booster shot.