COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Requirement

Once eligible, all on-campus employees must receive a vaccine booster shot(s), except for those with approved medical or religious exemptions. Employees must demonstrate that they have had their booster shot as soon as their eligibility allows.

Who is eligible for a booster?

• If not immunocompromised and you have NOT received an mRNA monovalent booster after completion of the primary series or did not have a second dose of the J&J vaccine
• If you completed the primary vaccination series (two doses) at least 2 months ago with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
• If you completed the primary vaccination series (two doses) at least 2 months ago with the Novavax vaccine
• Received Janseen/J&J vaccine at least 2 months ago
• Vaccinated outside of the US and completed the primary vaccination series at least 2 months ago with a WHO authorized vaccine

What if I want a booster vaccine but cannot receive an mRNA vaccine?

• If you have not received any previous booster doses, and are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine (i.e., mRNA vaccine is contraindicated or not available) or unwilling to receive an mRNA vaccine a booster dose of the monovalent Novavax vaccine is acceptable. Use of the Novavax vaccine as a booster dose is only for very limited situations.

What should I do if I'm not yet eligible for the booster?

• You must wait until you are eligible.
• Once you are eligible, you will have two weeks to comply with the University's booster requirement.

Which vaccine should I get?

• You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot.
• CDC recommendations allow for mix-and-match dosing for booster shots (e.g., If your primary series was Pfizer, you may receive Moderna as the booster), although that is not required.

Where can I get a vaccine booster?

• For vaccine booster locations, visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/.
• For those who may not yet be eligible for a booster shot, MCPHS will be providing assistance with getting booster shots as Community members become eligible.

Do I need to verify my booster status?

• Yes. You will need to demonstrate that you have had the booster shot as soon as your eligibility allows.
• Students must upload the required vaccination documentation to CastleBranch, as well as upload an image of their updated vaccine card to the CoVerified mobile application for verification and approval.
• Faculty and staff must upload an image of their updated vaccine card to the CoVerified mobile application for verification and approval.

Are Vaccine Booster Exemptions Available?

• Community members who have received a previous COVID-19 vaccination exemption for medical or religious reasons do not need to submit another exemption request.
• If a student is unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster due to medical reasons, they may upload the Vaccine Exemption Form to CastleBranch with required medical documentation.
• If a faculty or staff is unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster due to medical reasons, they must email HR@mcphs.edu to request an exemption for the booster requirement.

For more information on vaccine boosters, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about COVID-19 vaccine booster requirement, please email COVID19team@mcphs.edu.