{"id":8739,"date":"2021-06-22T14:01:14","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T18:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/?p=8739"},"modified":"2024-04-11T09:01:30","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T13:01:30","slug":"bu-covid-19-vaccine-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/2021\/06\/22\/bu-covid-19-vaccine-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"BU COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ’s"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following was sent to incoming undergraduate students on Monday, June 21, 2021. The letter was formatted for and also sent out to returning undergraduate students, incoming graduate and returning graduate students. Please contact Danielle Staub<\/a>, if you need a copy of a specific letter. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n

Welcome New Friends and New Terriers,<\/p>\n

The journey for you to arrive at this moment took strength. I know each of you has your own story about how you navigated through changes to what you thought would be regular traditions. Honor those stories and bring them with you. We are ready for you to arrive at BU, find your people, and share your stories. You will be joining a group of Terriers who spent the last year encouraging each other to wear masks, get tested, and keep gatherings small. They showed the true spirit of BU by showing how much they cared about their home here and each other.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, you\u2019ve made it this far, but we have another stretch to go. I need you to join this community spirit and camaraderie to help us reimagine the campus, starting with this fall. It\u2019s now time to get vaccinated and upload your documents.<\/p>\n

Get Vaccinated and Upload Your Documentation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to get vaccinated and upload your documents.\u00a0As a reminder, all students are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, <\/strong><\/span>before coming to campus in the fall, and upload information about their status by August 1, 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(Below you will see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for vaccinations and uploading your information.) Only students who are compliant with the University\u2019s vaccine requirements (or have received a medical or religious exemption or an extension) will have access to the BU Housing Portal to schedule their move-in; and may participate in activities prior to the start of classes (for example, FYSOP, Matriculation, Splash, team practices, and on-campus work). Additionally, if you have not uploaded your information into Patient Connect, you will be withdrawn from classes.<\/span><\/p>\n

We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances that prevent you from being vaccinated before August 1. You may request to be vaccinated upon your arrival in Boston, by selecting an extension through Patient Connect. If your request is approved, you will receive an email and upon your return to campus, you will be required to schedule a vaccine appointment in the community or via Student Health Services. <\/span><\/p>\n

Scheduling your Move-In Date and Early Arrivals <\/strong><\/p>\n

ALL<\/u><\/strong> first-year and transfer students must schedule their move-in date via the BU Housing Portal. Students without special circumstances who have not received approval for early arrival will reserve a specific time and date from August 25 through September 1 \u2013 up to 740 students can schedule their arrival in the morning, and up to 740 students can choose an afternoon slot. Students will be allowed up to two helpers for move-in. Students and helpers are required to wear masks during the move-in process. Only students who are compliant with vaccine requirements (or have received a medical or religious exemption or extension) will have access to the BU Housing Portal to schedule their move-in time and date.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

International students requiring vaccinations or encountering special travel circumstances will route their early arrival requests HERE<\/a>. BU Dining will also coordinate meals for early arrivals through grab-and-go catering options and Marciano Commons until all dining halls officially open (West Campus on August 23, Warren Towers on August 25, and Granby on September 2).<\/p>\n

We all put forward a lot of work to get this far. Thank you for vaxing and uploading. Now, let\u2019s dream of our future on campus. Let\u2019s not simply look to a new normal but, rather, a better BU. Let\u2019s reimagine our world and dream of the possibilities that lay ahead of us. Bring the spirit of BU alive and we will all see the possibilities of not just finding our place but how we belong\u00a0<\/em>at BU.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Excited to see you along Commonwealth Ave \u2013 fully vaccinated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fondly,<\/span><\/p>\n

Kenn<\/span>eth<\/span>\u00a0Elmore<\/span>
\n<\/span>Associate Provost and Dean of Students\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

VACCINATION AND UPLOADING<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Do I need\u00a0to get the COVID-19\u00a0vaccine for\u00a0BU\u00a0this fall?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Yes, <\/span>Boston University will require all students living, studying, or working on our Charles River, Fenway, and Medical campuses in the fall to be vaccinated against COVID-19.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. How do I get vaccinated?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      You can get vaccinated anywhere in the United States<\/span> as well as internationally.<\/span><\/p>\n

      In Massachusetts:\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/vaxfinder.mass.gov\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      In the U.S.:\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.vaccines.gov\/search\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Abroad: check out local hospitals, medical facilities, pharmacies and health departments in your area.<\/p>\n

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      1. Will BU have vaccinations\u00a0on campus?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        BU will be conducting on-campus vaccine clinics as doses become available.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>We <\/span>plan to reopen on-campus vaccine clinics in mid-August for all students, faculty, and staff who have been unable to get vaccinated before August 1.\u00a0If you are unable to receive a vaccine due to extenuating circumstances, you <\/span>may request to be vaccinated on campus, in August, by requesting an extension through Patient Connect. If your request is approved, upon your return to campus, you will be required to schedule a vaccine appointment by September 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Information can be found on the Back2BU page, found here:\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/back2bu\/campus-life-undergraduates\/student-health-safety\/covid-19-vaccination-information\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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        1. Can I get my first vaccination dose at home, and my second at BU or in Massachusetts?<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Yes, in most cases you can get one dose of the vaccine in your home state, if in the US, and get the second one\u00a0of that same series here in Massachusetts\u00a0or at BU.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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          1. What is the deadline for getting my\u00a0vaccination if\u00a0I want to live on campus this fall?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Sunday,\u00a0August 1, 2021, is the deadline for all students to upload\u00a0their vaccine <\/span>documentation in Patient Connect. If you do not upload\u00a0by this\u00a0date, you will lose\u00a0access to campus housing\u00a0and facilities.\u00a0If\u00a0you have one dose and have uploaded your vaccine card, we will be aware that you\u2019ve begun the process and you will not face repercussions.\u00a0However, we will ask you to follow the procedure listed in question 8 of these FAQs to get your second dose as soon as you are eligible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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            1. Can I get both my\u00a0vaccine\u00a0doses when I arrive at BU in August?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              We encourage everyone to get, at least, their first dose before they arrive on campus for the fall semester. This will facilitate on-campus housing move-in and other in-person activities. However, you <\/span>may request to be vaccinated on campus, in August, by submitting an extension via Patient Connect (see FAQ #9). If your request is approved,<\/span> you will receive an email, from Patient Connect, with information on how to schedule a vaccine upon your arrival. This must be completed by September 1, 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n

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              1. What if I\u2019m an international student?\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                BU plans to accept all vaccines being offered outside the United States, including those without<\/strong> US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization or approval or WHO authorization or approval.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>However, CDC guidance regarding quarantine only covers individuals who have received an FDA-authorized or approved vaccine.\u00a0 Quarantining after travel or after close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 will be required if you are vaccinated with non-WHO approved vaccines.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Full guidance for international students can be found here:\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/provost\/2021\/04\/28\/fall-2021-vaccination-information-for-international-students\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                International students may also <\/span>request to be vaccinated on campus, in August, by requesting an extension through Patient Connect. If your request is approved, upon your return to campus, you will be required to schedule a vaccine appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

                8. How do I upload my vaccine information?\u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n