| The message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Dear students, Duke University will extend the deadline for students to receive the booster shot due to a change in the eligibility criteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed the eligibility criteria for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from six month to five months after receiving a second dose. This change leaves little time for those who are newly eligible after five months to get their booster shot by the Feb. 1 deadline. As a result, all Duke students, faculty, and staff will now be required to get a booster shot by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, or within 28 days of their eligibility under CDC and state guidelines, whichever date is later. Please note that due to the infectiousness of the Omicron variant, we encourage all students to get the booster as soon as they are eligible. Still need your booster? If you have not yet received one, schedule your booster by calling Student Health at 919-681-9355, Option 1, or schedule your booster online. Booster vaccinations are also conveniently available in the community at local pharmacies, supermarkets and many other locations listed on the Durham County Department of Public Health website or NC DHHS directory. Already received your booster? All students must provide proof of receiving the COVID booster shot as soon as they are eligible under CDC and state guidelines. If you received your booster outside of Duke, be sure to submit your vaccination documentation online (scroll down to “outside vaccination reporting”). If you received your COVID booster at one of Duke’s on-campus locations, Student Health already has your vaccination record. Exemptions If you have already submitted and received a COVID-19 vaccine exemption, you do not need to reapply for an exemption for the booster at this time. Questions about medical/religious exemptions for students can be directed to immunizations@duke.edu. Safe Practices In addition to receiving your COVID-19 booster vaccination, it is crucial to continue to practice safe behaviors to keep ourselves and those around us safe and healthy. Wear a mask at all times in Duke owned and leased facilities. Practice good hand hygiene. Maintain a safe distance from others, especially when removing your mask to eat or drink. Getting the booster can help protect you, your friends, and the Duke community, as well as ensure that our hospital and clinical resources are available to support the community during a time of urgent need. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe. Go Duke, John Vaughn, M.D. Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Student Health Services John Blackshear Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students |
