COVID-19 Read & Act:   Booster Requirements; Return to Campus in January with Negative Test Result

University Employee Community,

Clarkson is committed to providing all students with an in-person learning experience as well as the health and safety of our community.  We have continued to follow federal and state regulations and guidance, as well as the counsel from our regional public health representatives, to balance safety and normalcy. 

The Omicron Variant for COVID-19 was first identified three weeks ago and its impact on our national, state and regional healthcare system requires new action.  Below are the details on Clarkson’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements which include getting a COVID-19 booster shot timed according to the CDC’s guidance and submitting a negative COVID-19 test result before returning to campus in 2022 for the Spring Semester. 

Clarkson’s COVID-19 policy requires full vaccination.  Booster Shots Now Required to be Fully Vaccinated.
All Employees and Students need to submit Booster Shot documentation.

Clarkson’s COVID-19 policy requires full vaccination.  Following new Federal regulations that will go into effect in January and new measures being taken by New York State, the additional booster shots for COVID-19 are now required in order to be considered fully-vaccinated.  Clarkson has updated its documentation portal to meet these government measures with a place to upload your updated proof of vaccination. Please refer to the CDC Chart on when to get boosted and options  (J&J – 2 months after last dose, Pfizer/Moderna six months after second/last dose).  Employees can upload their updated documentation in Peoplesoft HR, under the COVID-19 Vaccine tile.

For example, an employee who had their last Pfizer vaccine dose before June 3, 2021 will need to get a third shot/booster shot and upload documentation prior to returning to the campus for work for the spring semester on January 3. As the semester progresses, all campus community members will need to submit proof of a third shot/booster shot based on the date of their last dose. Boosters for Pfizer/Moderna are six months after the second dose.  Persons who had the J&J vaccine need to get a booster two months after their last J&J dose and also upload the documentation to the portal.

Our exemption policies remain the same, subject to provisions in Federal and NYS regulations.

St. Lawrence County Public Health is offering a comprehensive vaccination clinic with both Moderna and Pfizer first and second doses, and booster shots on Tuesday, December 28 at the St. Lawrence University Fieldhouse.  This website also provides statewide information on booster clinics.  We are working with Public Health to offer booster clinics on the Potsdam campus when all classes have resumed for people who were vaccinated using Pfizer or Moderna after June 2021.  Drug stores (Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, Walmart, also have free booster shot appointments available on their web sites as well as St. Lawrence County Public Health and the CDC for national sites. 

Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Employees and Students Before Returning to Campus

Each employee will be required to submit a PCR test (preferred for all and mandated for international travelers) no more than 72 hours before they return to campus or an antigen test no more than 24 hours before they return to campus.  If the antigen test is an at-home test, you will need to take a picture of the test with your full name and the date and time it was taken.  You will not be permitted to return to work without a negative test result. Please send these to ClarksonHR@clarkson.edu to be logged in the system. This website shows places to schedule appointments to get tested in New York State. 

It is imperative that persons who are sick and/or showing symptoms related to COVID-19 get tested and do not come into the workplace or to classrooms/campus activities.  

In a dynamic environment, we appreciate your diligence and personal commitment to the health and safety of the entire University community.  Have a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus for a great spring semester.  

COVID-19 Response Team
community@clarkson.edu

The Potsdam Student Message can be found here: https://announcements.clarkson.edu/2021/12/22/covid-19-read-return-to-campus-in-january-with-negative-test-result/

The Beacon & Capital Region Student Message can be found here: https://announcements.clarkson.edu/2021/12/22/covid-19-read-return-to-campus-in-january-with-negative-test-result-3/