COVID-19 Update: Fall 2021 Vaccine Requirement Reminder

Dear Emerson students, 

We are writing today as a reminder that all students studying in person on any of Emerson’s campuses and programs this fall must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have approved medical or religious exemptions.  The College will only accept vaccines that have FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval (or full approval when that is issued) and World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval (or full approval when that is issued). If you have already received a non-approved COVID-19 vaccination, you will need to get an approved one prior to your arrival or upon your arrival to Boston.

The deadline for uploading your vaccine records into your Student Health Portal is July 15, 2021. Not getting the vaccine or not having your vaccine records on file by the deadline will impact your ability to return to campus in August. Unvaccinated individuals (without an approved exemption) will not be able to move into the residence halls or attend in-person classes. If you have requested a medical or religious exemption, the form along with medical documentation must also be uploaded to the Student Health Portal by July 15, and the College will then be in touch with students to review the exemption request.

International students and students living outside of the U.S. who may need an extension to the July 15 deadline due to limited vaccine access or a desire to receive the vaccine upon arrival in the United States will receive information from OISA shortly. Residential students meeting that criteria will need to apply for an early arrival with Housing and Residential Education, and will be expected to get vaccinated and upload a copy of their vaccination record within 24-72 hours of their arrival to the residence hall. 

If you have additional questions about the vaccine, staff from the Center for Health & Wellness are available to speak with you over the summer.  Please reach out to them at healthservices@emerson.edu to schedule a time. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation and please let us know if you have any questions. 

Be well, 
Erik Muurisepp
COVID Lead
AVP, Campus Life