Some Virginia Schools will Require Covid-19 Booster

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced shorter recommendations for quarantine and isolation times with the spreading of the Omicron variant. Shortly after the announcement, many Virginia colleges made changes to their coronavirus policies.

Some Virginia schools have updated their vaccine requirement policies for the 2022 spring semester, to include requirements for booster shots.

College of William & Mary

Eligible students and teachers must show proof of their booster vaccination by Jan. 18. For those who have not reached the six-month mark, they’re expected to receive a booster within the first month they are eligible.

People can verify their vaccination status using the university’s Kallaco portal. Students who do not comply risk being disenrolled for the spring semester, and employees will receive 30 of unpaid leave, unless they are exempt, followed by termination. Faculty and staff with an exemption still have to undergo testing.

International students having issues accessing a booster or in need of a “deferral” can contact International Students, Scholars & Programs, or email HealthyTogether@wm.edu, for assistance.

W&M updated their quarantine and isolation guidelines to align with federal guidance. More information can be found on the college’s website.

___

Christopher Newport University

The university will require students to receive a booster by Feb. 15, unless they have medical or religious exemptions. New students will also be exempt.

Employees are not required to get vaccinated, but university officials urge them to do so, and get a booster if they are eligible. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated will be tested weekly, and if they develop symptoms, their vaccination status will determine how long they’ll need to quarantine or isolate.

Christopher Newport updated their quarantine and isolation guidelines to align with federal guidance. More information can be found on the university’s website.

Student, faculty, staff and visitors will still be required to wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

___

George Mason University

Students and employees are required to show proof a booster by Feb. 15.

Unless they are exempt, students must prove they’re fully vaccinated by Jan. 5 by uploading documentation to the university’s online portal, followed by booster verification the following month.

Students will also need to take a COVID-19 test before they return to campus, on move-in day, and 48 hours after they move in. The university will also provide tests.

International students having issues getting a vaccine can contact the university at immunize@gmu.edu.

Faculty and staff who work in-person must complete a test the week of Jan. 17.

More information on George Mason’s COVID-19 response can be found on the university’s website.

___

Hampton University

Students must receive a vaccine by Jan. 14 before they move in on campus and continue enrollment.

The university said students can schedule an appointment where one is available and upload proof of vaccination using Hampton’s medical clearance platform.

___

Norfolk State University

Students and employees must show proof of a booster by Feb. 4, unless they have an exemption. People waiting for the six-month mark to get boosted will be required to receive one when they are eligible.

More information on NSU’s COVID-19 response can be found on the university’s website.

___

Old Dominion University

Students and employees must get a booster shot and show proof through the university’s wellness portal by Feb. 10. For those still waiting to be eligible, they must show proof of a booster within a week from six months after their last dose.

Students must test negative no more than 72 hours before moving in on-campus. All other students and employees are encouraged to get a COVID-19 test before returning for the spring semester.

More information on ODU’s COVID-19 response can be found on the university’s website.

___

University of Virginia

Students and employees must receive their booster shot by Feb. 1. Anyone who is not eligible by that day must show proof 30 days after the first day they are able to get a booster. Teachers can verify their vaccination status using Workday, students will use HealthyHoos.

More information on UVA’s COVID-19 response can be found on the university’s website.

___

Virginia Commonwealth University

Students must receive their booster shot by Feb. 1. Those eligible after that day will need to show proof 30 days after the first day they are able to get a booster.

Students should expect updates on how to upload documentation and testing requirements for those living on-campus.

VCU updated their quarantine and isolation guidelines to align with federal guidance. More information can be found on the university’s website.

___

Virginia State University

Students and employees must receive their booster shot by Feb. 1, unless they are exempt. Anyone eligible after that day will need to show proof 30 days after the first day they are able to get a booster.

The university will have opportunities for the campus community to get the additional dose from Jan. 11 through Jan. 16. People should expect updates to register. Testing clinics will also be available at Daniel’s Gymnasium on Jan. 11 as students and employees are required to take a COVID-19 test before returning to campus.

___

Virginia Tech

Students and employees must receive their booster shot by Feb. 1, unless they are exempt. Those eligible after that day are encouraged to get the additional dose when they are able. Anyone who is not vaccinated will undergo weekly testing.

Residential students must test negative no more than 72 hours before moving in on-campus. The university will provide those students with a test if they have trouble finding at-home kits or scheduling an appointment. All other students and employees are encouraged to get a COVID-19 test before returning for the spring semester.

More information on Virginia Tech’s COVID-19 response can be found on the university’s website.