COVID-19 Vaccine

Yes. Rutgers has updated its immunization policy (See Policy 10.3.14 Interim COVID-19 Immunization Record Requirement for Students) to require all students to be fully vaccinated in advance of arriving on campus in the fall.

The vaccination requirement applies to anyone who will be enrolled in classes at Rutgers for the Fall 2021 semester, even if the individual is also an employee of the university. If you are taking classes at Rutgers, other than in a fully online program, you will need to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination.

Enrolled students must upload their vaccination documentation on the Rutgers Student Immunization portal. A valid NetID and password are required.

Complete vaccination documentation must be provided at least two weeks prior to your arrival on campus, but no later than August 1, 2021. Please consult with your academic adviser or program coordinator to confirm your on-campus start date.

Complete vaccination documentation must be uploaded to the Rutgers Student Immunization portal (NetID and password are required) at least two weeks prior to your arrival on campus, but no later than August 1, 2021. Please consult with your academic adviser or program coordinator to confirm your on-campus start date.

 

Students may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons. Students enrolled in fully online degree programs (typically defined as having no access to on-campus facilities), as well as individuals participating in fully online or off-campus Continuing Education programs, will not need to provide proof of vaccination.

Enrolled students may request an exemption from the requirement that they submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination for medical or religious reasons.

Exemption requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; they are NOT automatically granted. The exemption request form is available to enrolled students by accessing the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. A valid student NetID and password are required to access the immunization portal.

Students requesting an exemption for religious reasons will be required to submit a written statement, signed by the student or signed by a parent or legal guardian if the student is a minor, explaining how immunization conflicts with the student’s religious beliefs. A religious exemption is not the same as a philosophical, moral, or conscientious exemption. Students requesting an exemption for medical reasons will be required to submit a statement from a doctor or advanced practice nurse explaining the medical contraindication and the time period for which the exemption is being requested. Medical exemptions are reviewed annually.

Please note: For those granted exemptions, on-campus participation is not guaranteed, and is dependent on the overall course of the pandemic, the rate and efficacy of vaccination, and the student’s academic program. Those granted exemptions from COVID-19 immunizations will be directed to the appropriate university department to develop an implementation plan which may include applying for feasible and applicable accommodations. Students granted exemptions will not be able to live in on-campus housing during the COVID-19 health emergency.

On-campus participation is not guaranteed and is dependent on the overall course of the pandemic, the rate and efficacy of vaccination, and the student’s academic program. Those granted exemptions from COVID-19 immunizations will be directed to the appropriate university department to develop an implementation plan which may include applying for feasible and applicable accommodations. Students granted exemptions will not be able to live in on-campus housing during the COVID-19 health emergency.

Yes.

Yes, you will be able to register for classes prior to vaccination, but you will have to show proof of vaccination (or receive an exemption) before coming to campus to attend classes or live in a residence hall this fall.

A full-remote virtual option will only be available for those enrolled in our degree-granting online programs.

Unless you are enrolled in a fully online degree program at Rutgers, you cannot be assured of a fully remote/virtual option. There will be several remote course offerings, but these will be offered for single courses rather than entire programs. It is important for students to understand that face-to-face, remote, and online course offerings will vary according to their course of study and confirmed through their course planning module.  Some courses may be offered in a hybrid fashion, a mix of online and face-to-face class meetings, but the extent to which course sections offer a remote-only option will not be determined until late Spring. As room occupancy restrictions relax per State guidelines, our instruction delivery models will also change.

Some academic units at Rutgers offer fully online degree programs, and students are encouraged to pursue those opportunities if these align with their interests. We are announcing this requirement early so that students can make their decisions about attendance before enrolling or paying tuition.

COVID-19 incidence rates in New Jersey have markedly decreased and are likely to continue to decrease in the coming weeks.  Therefore, as stated in a university update issued May 28, for international students outside of the United States who cannot receive a U.S. FDA EUA-authorized vaccine (currently Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Janssen-J&J), and who have been vaccinated in their home country, Rutgers will now accept proof of vaccination by a World Health Organization (WHO) authorized vaccine (e.g., AstraZeneca, SinoPharm BIBP). The relevant vaccination records must be uploaded to the Rutgers Immunization Portal at rutgers.medicatconnect.com.

For additional information for international students, read Rutgers Global’s COVID-19-related FAQ.

Rutgers will continue to offer U.S. FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines to international students upon arrival at no cost for those that have not yet been vaccinated with an U.S. FDA-authorized vaccine or a World Health Organization (WHO) authorized vaccine (e.g., AstraZeneca, SinoPharm BIBP). International students (in F-1 and J-1 visa status) may enter the country no more than 30 days prior to the start of the fall term. To ensure that students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival are able to do so and to allow for necessary vaccination wait times and quarantine, the university is in the process of developing interim housing space in August.

Rutgers continues to closely monitor both the science of COVID-19 vaccination (including the effectiveness of WHO-authorized vaccines and the safety/effectiveness of boosting with an FDA-authorized vaccine), as well as COVID-19 rates regionally and globally. This information may inform future changes or updates of the Rutgers vaccination or re-vaccination policies.

For additional information for international students, read Rutgers Global’s COVID-19-related FAQ.

According to the CDC, the vaccines are all safe and effective, and studies have shown they prevent severe illness and death from the virus. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html for information.

To date, the FDA has authorized three vaccines for emergency use in the United States; these vaccines also have been recommended for use by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Rutgers made this announcement five months ahead of the start of the fall semester so that students and their families have the opportunity to gather information, consult with their doctors if they so choose, and make informed choices for themselves.

The university’s position on vaccines is consistent with the legal authority supporting this policy, which has been thoroughly reviewed by our Office of General Counsel.

Rutgers strongly urges all faculty and staff to get vaccinated as soon as they can and is providing a vaccination site at each campus. The university is mandating COVID-19 vaccination for all employees already required to receive an annual flu shot by the revised Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, University Policy 100.3.1.

The guidance regarding student vaccination expands on the usual requirements for multiple immunizations that students have to typically demonstrate, and COVID-19 has now been added to that list. This requirement is informed by public health guidance and rigorous review of the vaccines, as well as our own COVID testing data. For example, Rutgers’ Spring testing data demonstrates a 60 to 70 percent higher COVID-19 positivity rate among students when compared to faculty and staff. This has been attributed to the highly mobile and highly interactive nature of university students given that they often study and live in congregate settings.

Rutgers is offering vaccinations by appointment to students, faculty, staff, and others with a Rutgers NetID on our campuses in Newark, Camden, and Piscataway. Each location has received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; all three have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Register for an appointment on the Rutgers COVID-19 vaccine portal. Vaccinations are by appointment only; no walk-ins will be permitted.

Rutgers’ clinical partner RWJBarnabas Health has extended priority access for all Rutgers students seeking a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at the Middlesex County Megasite, located at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison. [June 26 is the last day for first dose appointments; the megasite is closing in mid-July.] To make an appointment, visit the RWJBarnabas Health vaccine registration form and indicate that you are a Rutgers student when prompted.

There are many other locations throughout the State of New Jersey. See the State’s vaccine hub for a list of vaccine locations in New Jersey. Out of state residents should contact their local or state authorities for information.

 

Rutgers is offering COVID-19 vaccination to students, faculty, staff, and others who have a Rutgers NetID. Register for an appointment on the Rutgers COVID-19 vaccine portal. Appointments will be available at three campus locations:

• Camden: Campus Center, Lower Level, South ABC, 326 Penn St., Camden
• Newark: Stonsby Commons, 91 Bleeker Street, Newark
• Piscataway: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway

In addition, interested family and community members who are eligible to receive a vaccine can call 848-209-1023 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment.

No! The State Department of Health has made clear that no one will have to pay for the vaccine. There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of location. If you have health insurance your insurance company may be billed, but costs will not be passed on to you. See https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/assistance-and-benefits/is-the-covid-19-vaccine-free-what-if-i-dont-have-insurance for more information.

The Pfizer vaccine may be administered to 16- and 17-year-olds. Each of the vaccines given emergency use authorization in the U.S. may be administered to those 18 and older.

Individuals who are fully vaccinated, upon uploading their vaccine card to the portal, no longer need to participate in the university’s testing program.

Yes. Until public health experts see evidence that it is safe to not use these protective measures, which guard against transmission of the virus, Rutgers will continue to require social distancing and the use of face coverings.

Rutgers is offering vaccinations by appointment to students, faculty, staff, and others with a Rutgers NetID on our campuses in Newark, Camden, and Piscataway. Each location has received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; all three have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Register for an appointment on the Rutgers COVID-19 vaccine portal. Vaccinations are by appointment only; no walk-ins will be permitted.

All individuals aged 12 and older who live, work, or study in New Jersey now are eligible for vaccination. To find other sites, visit the New Jersey vaccine appointment finder.

 

 

It depends on your job. The university is mandating COVID-19 vaccination for those employees already required to receive an annual flu shot as defined within the newly revised Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, University Policy 100.3.1. For these covered individuals, who are certain employees who work in health care and public safety positions (see the policy for more information on who is covered), the university is requiring them to upload their vaccination information to the Rutgers Vaccination Portal by August 1, 2021.

While this mandate applies to only covered individuals, we strongly urge all Rutgers faculty and staff to get immunized against COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity.

Rutgers is offering vaccinations by appointment to students, faculty, staff, and others with a Rutgers NetID on our campuses in Newark, Camden, and Piscataway. To find other vaccination sites, visit the New Jersey vaccine appointment finder.

Register for an appointment or upload your vaccination record on the Rutgers COVID-19 vaccine portal.

Not at this time. Employees required to be vaccinated under University Policy 100.3.1 must be inoculated with vaccines approved by the FDA or authorized for emergency use by the FDA.

Rutgers is offering vaccinations by appointment to students, faculty, staff, and others with a Rutgers NetID on our campuses in Newark, Camden, and Piscataway. Each location has received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; all three have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Register for an appointment on the Rutgers COVID-19 vaccine portal. Vaccinations are by appointment only; no walk-ins will be permitted.

Yes. Interested family members and the general public who are eligible to receive a vaccine can call 848-209-1023 between 9 a.m. and 5.p.m., Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment.

Yes—if you are an employee who is identified as a “Covered Individual” under University Policy 100.3.1, you will now be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The university is mandating COVID-19 vaccination for those employees covered under the newly revised Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, University Policy 100.3.1. For these covered individuals, who are certain employees who work in health care and public safety positions (see the policy for more information on who is covered), the university is requiring them to upload their vaccination information to the Rutgers Vaccination Portal by August 1, 2021.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each require two doses, spaced out by 21 and 28 days, respectively. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend discussing with your physician whether you should get the vaccine.

Yes. Vaccines may boost your immune system so it is ready to fight the virus if you are exposed, but it is not yet fully understood whether vaccinated people might still be able to transmit the virus. Initially, there will not be enough vaccine globally to vaccinate everyone who wants the vaccine, and the virus will still be transmitted. Therefore, you will still need to wear a mask and follow other precautions such as practicing social distancing and frequently washing your hands to help reduce your chance of being exposed to and spreading the virus.

COVID-19 vaccination and adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations offer the best protection from COVID-19 and help stop the pandemic.

Yes, your choice to get the vaccine is a personal one and does not impact how you are expected to behave with regard to our COVID-19 policies.

Receiving the vaccine will have no effect on your work assignments.

If you are not feeling well, it is recommended that you wait until you are feeling better to get the vaccine. If you have scheduled an appointment to receive the vaccine and are not feeling well on the day of vaccination, it is best to reschedule your vaccine appointment. If you have symptoms and/or signs of respiratory infection, evaluation and testing as is appropriate from health care resources in your community is recommended.

The most common side effects are headache, cough, and muscle pain. These are more common after the second dose and are usually of short duration, lasting for less than 24 hours. There is also a potential for injection site reactions (redness, swelling, and pain, which are common and more severe after the second dose), as well as fatigue, chills, fever, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. These are common adverse reactions seen with other vaccines. There may be other reactions that are not currently known. If you experience common side effects from the vaccine it is still necessary to receive the second dose for the vaccine to be effective. If you have experienced a very severe allergic reaction in the past requiring emergency care, you should consult your primary care provider before receiving the vaccine.

If you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine you should call your primary care physician. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration encourage the public to report possible side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When an individual receives the vaccine, a v-safe information sheet should be provided explaining how to enroll. Those who enroll in v-safe will receive text messages instructing how problems or adverse reactions after receipt of the vaccine can be reported. The most common side effects are headache, cough, and muscle pain. These are more common after the second dose and are usually of short duration, lasting less than 24 hours.

You should contact your primary care physician or other provider to discuss your concerns.

A vaccine is a product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defenses—the immune system—to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. If the body is exposed to those disease-causing germs later, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious-disease outbreaks to decrease mortality. Vaccines currently prevent millions of deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, and influenza.

Prevention of infection is key. Public health officials and medical experts believe vaccination is an important step in helping to prevent or lessen the effects of this illness and its potentially devastating consequences. COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) can be a mild illness in some or lead to severe disease or even death in previously healthy people. Additionally, long-term complications of COVID-19 remain unknown. Many treatments and medications are being studied, but there is currently no cure.

Yes. The vaccine candidates are undergoing, or have completed, clinical trials like all other vaccines. Clinical trials are research studies performed on people to evaluate a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention. They are the primary way that researchers find out if a new treatment—like a new drug, vaccine, or medical device—is safe and effective in people. Currently, clinical trials are evaluating investigational COVID-19 vaccines in thousands of study participants to generate scientific data and information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine their safety and effectiveness. These clinical trials are conducted according to rigorous safety standards. FDA review has confirmed the safety of approved vaccines in the United States.

There was extreme urgency for vaccine development due to this unprecedented pandemic. Scientists and funding agencies have partnered to expedite vaccine development and rapidly move vaccine candidates through the process for preclinical and clinical assessment, including animal and human trials. This has been done under the federal government operation known as Operation Warp Speed (OWS). Participants in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials continue to be followed for long-term safety; but phase 3 trials can safely begin once pre-specified endpoints for phase 1 and 2 have been met. This has enabled researchers to advance into phase 3 clinical trials (testing the vaccine on large groups of people to evaluate safety and effectiveness) in six months instead of the usual two or more years. Parallel production preparation also cut down development time. It is important to note that the scientists are working both quickly and safely and that manufacturers of vaccines have been mass producing as their vaccine candidates have been tested. More information about OWS can be found at: hhs.gov/coronavirus/explaining-operation-warp-speed/index.html

Every vaccine must be authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it is made available to the American public. Vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA and are being deployed throughout the country.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) during a public health emergency to allow the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases. For the FDA to issue an EUA, safety and efficacy must be demonstrated, and certain criteria must be met, including that there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for making sure that, just like any medications, any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applies the same stringent review process to all vaccines regardless of manufacturer. FDA approval or authorization of a vaccine means that the agency has determined, based on substantial evidence and a stringent review process, the vaccine is safe and effective for its intended use.

No. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine has already been determined in the phase 3 clinical trials conducted prior to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (see the question above about the issuance of an EUA). While the risk of severe adverse reactions to vaccines is low, there is a possibility of adverse reactions, so it is important for people who receive the vaccine to report any adverse reactions to their health care provider immediately.