Savanna Hoffman
University students' eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots has been a topic of discussion since the vaccines' rollout. While some universities strongly recommend their students receive their COVID-19 booster shots, others mandate it. In 2021, over 1,100 colleges and universities in the United States required COVID-19 vaccinations, and this number is expected to increase with the emergence of new variants. Students can receive their booster shots at various locations, including on-campus vaccination drives and off-campus pharmacies and health facilities. Additionally, some universities offer financial incentives for students who get their booster shots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are university students eligible for a COVID-19 booster? | Yes, university students are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. |
| Are COVID-19 boosters mandatory for university students? | It varies by university and location. Some universities in the US, such as California State University, require COVID-19 boosters for students. |
| What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 booster for university students? | COVID-19 boosters can help minimize the effects of COVID-19 infection on campuses and in communities. Boosters can also help prevent severe illness and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. |
| How can university students get a COVID-19 booster? | University students can get a COVID-19 booster shot at pharmacies and health facilities, or at on-campus vaccination sites, if available. |
| Are there any incentives for university students to get a COVID-19 booster? | Some universities offer financial incentives or other benefits for students who get vaccinated and upload proof of vaccination. |
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What You'll Learn
University booster mandates
University COVID-19 booster mandates vary across different institutions. For example, The City University of New York (CUNY) requires students enrolled in any in-person or hybrid class to receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they become eligible. Similarly, the University of California (UC) system mandates that all students receive a booster shot, with specific requirements for students who received their initial vaccine series outside of the US. Virginia State University (VSU) strongly encourages students and employees to get the booster shot, offering financial incentives for those who do.
At CUNY, students must upload proof of receiving the booster shot to the CUNYfirst portal within a specified timeframe. The deadline for students who were eligible for the booster on January 28 was March 1. For those who became eligible after January 28 but before the end of the semester, they had 30 days to get the booster and upload proof.
The UC system has a similar process, with students required to upload their booster documentation to the UCI Student Health Center Patient Portal within 15 days of becoming eligible. UC also specifies that only FDA-approved mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna) are accepted as boosters for those who received their initial vaccine series outside of the US.
VSU provides financial incentives to encourage students to get the booster shot. Students must upload proof of full vaccination, including the booster, through the Medicat Portal and complete the COVID-19 Booster Verification Form to be eligible for the incentive payment.
While some universities have mandated booster shots for students, others, like the University at Buffalo (UB), are recommending but not requiring that eligible students receive a booster. UB's former vice president for health sciences and former dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine, Michael Cain, encouraged the UB community to get the additional dose as soon as they were eligible, stating that the CDC's expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots was pleasing.
Overall, university COVID-19 booster mandates and recommendations aim to protect the health and safety of students and the wider community, with specific processes in place for documentation and verification of booster shots.
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Student health and safety
University students' health and safety is a top priority for educational institutions. To ensure students' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities have implemented policies and incentives to encourage vaccination and booster shots.
For instance, Virginia State University (VSU) strongly encourages all students and employees to be fully vaccinated, including the booster shot. VSU offers financial incentives to students who are fully vaccinated with proof of an approved booster shot uploaded through the Medicat Portal and the COVID-19 Booster Verification Form. Similarly, The City University of New York (CUNY) requires students enrolled in any in-person or hybrid classes to receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they become eligible. CUNY students must upload proof of receiving the booster shot to CUNYfirst within a specified timeframe.
Additionally, universities like the University of California (UCI) and the University at Buffalo (UB) emphasize the importance of COVID-19 boosters for eligible students, especially those with underlying conditions. UB provides convenient access to booster shots on campus and in nearby pharmacies. UCI has a specific policy for students vaccinated outside the US, requiring them to receive an FDA-approved mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) six months after completing their international series to be compliant.
While the general recommendation is for students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot when eligible, the specific approach may vary across universities. Some institutions may offer incentives or require proof of vaccination, while others may strongly recommend boosters without enforcing mandates. It is essential for students to refer to their university's guidelines and stay informed about the latest updates and requirements regarding COVID-19 boosters to protect their health and that of their campus community.
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Vaccine eligibility
As of November 2021, over 1,100 colleges and universities in the United States required COVID-19 vaccinations for in-person attendance. It is likely that institutions that required the initial COVID-19 vaccine will also mandate that students receive a booster shot. Students will likely receive information about booster mandates via email directly from their university.
Students who anticipate that their college or university will require a booster shot may consider scheduling a vaccination appointment as soon as possible. Due to the new variant and recent guidance from the CDC, vaccination appointments have been filling up quickly.
The CDC recommends that individuals aged 18 and older receive a booster shot if they completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series more than six months ago (or more than two months ago for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).
Some universities, such as Virginia State University, offer financial incentives for students to receive their booster shots. At Virginia State University, students must upload proof of their booster shot to be eligible for the incentive payment.
Other universities, such as Georgetown University and California State University, have announced that they will require COVID-19 booster shots for students and staff for the spring semester.
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University incentives
University students are eligible for COVID-19 booster shots, and universities are incentivizing students to get their boosters through various means.
- Prizes: Students who get their COVID-19 boosters can enter prize draws for a chance to win scholarships, gift cards, concert tickets, and adventure trips. For example, the University of Arkansas offered $500 scholarships and Razorback Football tickets, while another university gave away a $1,500 housing scholarship.
- Service Hours: Some universities, like the University of Arkansas, are offering students service hours for getting vaccinated. These hours can be earned through platforms like GivePulse, which connects students with non-profit agencies and student groups.
- Gift Cards: Weekly gift cards are being offered to students who can show proof of vaccination.
- Convenient Testing and Vaccination: Universities are making it convenient for students to get tested and vaccinated by providing free COVID test kits and hosting vaccine clinics on campus.
- Masks and Rapid Antigen Tests: Universities are also making masks and rapid antigen tests available on campus, either for purchase or free, to encourage students to continue taking precautions against COVID-19.
- Other Support Services: Institutions are offering a range of support services to students, including counselling, academic skills support, financial aid, and international student resources.
These incentives aim to encourage students to get their COVID-19 boosters, helping to increase vaccination rates and protect the health and safety of campus communities.
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Campus closures
As COVID-19 cases spiked in the United States, many colleges and universities required students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot. Some universities, such as Cornell University, Princeton University, and New York University, moved their final exams online after a drastic increase in cases on campus.
In November 2021, over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country required COVID-19 vaccinations for in-person attendance. It is likely that these institutions will also mandate that students receive a booster shot. Students will likely be informed about booster mandates via email from their university.
In the face of rising cases and the Omicron variant, colleges began to issue COVID-19 booster shot mandates as campuses closed early. For example, Georgetown University required students, faculty, staff, and visitors to get a booster shot by January 21, 2022, or secure a medical or religious exemption. Similarly, George Washington University began its spring semester online, with a gradual return to campus. Howard University also pushed back the start of classes for the spring semester.
The University of Melbourne in Australia has not closed its campus but has implemented a comprehensive public health response, including making masks and rapid antigen tests available on campus, enhancing infection control, and improving ventilation and cleaning measures. The university encourages students to stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters to reduce the risk of severe illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, university students are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot.
Many universities, such as Georgetown University, California State University, and Cornell University, require students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.
Students may need to upload proof of their booster vaccination status through a university portal, such as the Medicat Portal at Virginia State University, or provide documentation directly to the university.
