You may recall that the State University of New York ordered that once a COVID vaccine was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), all SUNY students who take an in-person course or use campus facilities must be vaccinated against COVID. With yesterday`s FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, the SUNY mandate now comes into effect on August 23, 2021. Students can apply for religious or medical exemptions from the COVID vaccine. Unvaccinated students may also request temporary housing to use academic resources on campus (e.g., library). If you have any questions, please contact accommodations@sunyjefferson.edu. Most health insurance companies cover the cost of the COVID test. If you do not have health insurance, please contact the university via vaccine@sunyjefferson.edu. You can find answers to other frequently asked questions about COVID testing on our website. General, philosophical or moral objections to such vaccines are not sufficient grounds for a religious exception.
Students who benefit from a religious exemption are subject to certain restrictions and may be subject to other restrictions imposed by the campus. If you are already fully vaccinated or have completed the vaccine series, how can I protect myself from COVID-19? It is important that everyone takes steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus, especially to protect the most vulnerable. • Get vaccinated against COVID-19. • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others. • Stay 6 feet away from others. • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated interiors. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. What about your letter to members stating that proof of vaccination is not required for MAC services provided under contract with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging? Are there other programs that are excluded from the vaccination mandate? On behalf of all Jefferson Community College faculty and staff, THANK YOU for helping keep our campus safe and healthy during the pandemic. Our student body is currently 97% compliant with the vaccination mandate. While our faculty and full-time staff are not required to receive the COVID vaccine, 96% are vaccinated and doing their part to maintain a healthy environment here in Jefferson.
Vaccines approved for use in children aged 6 months to 4 years are the same exact vaccines made with the same exact mRNA technology as the vaccines used. What should I do if variants of COVID-19 spread in my area? Viruses are constantly mutating, and new variants of a virus should appear. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. In other cases, new variants remain. Several variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and around the world during this pandemic. To date, studies show that currently approved vaccines against the identified variants are effective in preventing serious illness and death. What happens if I forget to bring proof of vaccination as soon as the vaccination requirement is in effect? Yes. Participants who receive government funding for programs such as early childhood and our after-school offerings do not require a COVID-19 vaccine, although this is highly recommended. However, if children in these programs attempt to participate in CCM enrichment activities, including swimming lessons, a basketball clinic, JDays, etc., the vaccination mandate will be applied to them and their household members.
The deadline to apply for a medical or religious exemption (follow the link and click on the forms and guidelines) has passed. You have a final opportunity to email your application to vaccine@sunyjefferson.edu before 5 p.m. on Friday, September 10. Ask? Email vaccine@sunyjefferson.edu or call 315-786-6563. No, wearing a mask indoors is not mandatory at this time. Changes to our mask requirement will be communicated to you directly Should I get vaccinated against COVID-19? Research shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death. Anyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC for answers to frequently asked questions and the Commonwealth of PA to find a vaccine near you. You can also talk to your doctor to get answers specific to your health. For more information about computer requirements and purchase options, visit the Internet. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children and adolescents 6 months of age and older who have no contraindications with a CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccine approved by a CDC-recommended Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) appropriate for their age and health status. Religious exception: Students who have genuine and sincere religious beliefs that conflict with COVID-19 vaccination may be exempted upon presentation of a written statement required by a SURY institution.
The statement must explain how receiving the COVID-19 vaccine conflicts with the student`s sincere religious beliefs or practices, and how not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine does not otherwise prevent the student from meeting the requirements of their program of study.