Vassar To Require Booster Shots Before Spring Semester

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Plans have been made at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie for the spring 2022 semester.

In a letter to the college, President Elizabeth Bradley said the college is planning on returning in January to an "in-person, on-campus learning experience."

She said the health and safety of everyone on campus were paramount, including mental health and social well-being.

"Additionally, we will apply all the learning we have had through the last four semesters of the pandemic to provide the best and safest on-campus experience possible," Bradley said.

All students and employees, including faculty, will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Jan. 17 or within 30 days of becoming eligible in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whichever is later.

Bradley added that anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is required to have a booster within 90 days of diagnosis.

Additionally, all students will need a negative pre-arrival test (antigen or PCR), to be taken within three days of coming to campus. All students will be tested three to five days later.

Officials said the testing regimen for asymptomatic, vaccinated students after that on-campus test will be determined based on epidemiologic evidence and recommendations from the CDC and state and local public health officials.

Students with vaccination exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be tested weekly, and symptomatic students will be tested immediately.

In the first weeks, Bradley said, full masking indoors for students and employees will be required. She said it is hoped to be able to loosen that requirement if cases on campus and in Dutchess County are limited and contained.

Gordon Commons will be open for in-person dining, with density more limited than before and supported by the Vassar app effectively in earlier semesters. The Express and Food Trucks will be available for grab-n-go meals.