Writings & Remarks

Important Information from the COVID-19 Taskforce – Booster Requirement and Spring Plans

December 15, 2021

Tags Public Statements

Dear Hamilton Community Members,

I hope you have had a productive and satisfying semester despite what feels like a never-ending pandemic. Many of us continue to manage difficulties both at work and at home, so thank you all for hanging in there and for helping us strike the right balance between safety and normalcy. We are now well into our planning for the spring semester. This message contains important information – please read it thoroughly and take note of the required actions.

As you are probably aware, COVID-19 case numbers are surging around the country, and some of our peers have experienced significant end-of-the-semester outbreaks. There are already cases of the Omicron variant in Oneida County, where COVID-19 case numbers remain among the highest in New York State. While it is still too early to be certain, early reports indicate that the Omicron variant spreads considerably faster than Delta, but might also prove less likely to cause serious illness.

We have been able to keep case numbers low again this semester, despite operating with few restrictions, by relying on vaccinations, masking, enhanced ventilation systems, and other mitigating measures. If we all do our part, we should be able to have another successful semester in the spring.

Recent studies show that the vaccine booster adds to the protection conferred by the initial COVID-19 vaccination series, and the CDC now recommends the booster for everyone age 16 and over. Vaccines, especially with the booster, reduce the risk of infection, shorten the period during which an individual is contagious, protect against serious illness, and lower the risk of further transmission. Accordingly, we have decided to require the booster for all students and employees who are eligible.

COVID-19 Vaccination Boosters
All vaccinated students, faculty, and staff are required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot within 30 days of becoming eligible, and to upload a photo of their vaccination card showing they have received the booster by January 15. The booster is free and readily available.

You are eligible for the booster if you received your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. Individuals who completed a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization are also eligible to boost at least six months later with a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Almost everyone in our community will be eligible for the vaccine before January 15. Previously approved exemptions remain in force. If you have questions about your eligibility, please consult the CDC website or call Human Resources (employees) or the Health Center (students).

To upload your booster record, please visit the Vaccine Status page on the Hamilton COVID-19 website. Once you’re there, you will see a new section for “Booster Doses.” Click on "Add a Booster Dose," then input the date, the vaccine manufacturer, and a photo of your updated vaccination card. When complete, click on “Save All.” You can return to the form if you need to add additional doses in the future.

Pre-arrival COVID-19 Tests for Students
Students must obtain a negative COVID-19 test, ideally within 24 hours of returning to campus and no earlier than 72 hours, prior to coming back for the spring semester. This pre-arrival test will allow us to catch most cases contracted over the holidays, and should enable us to get the spring semester off to a good start.

COVID-19 tests will not be supplied by the College; they are easy to purchase at pharmacies and other locations. You may obtain a rapid antigen test or a PCR test (ideally within 24 hours of returning to campus, but no earlier than 72 hours) and upload the results. For rapid tests, you can take a picture of the results with your name and date written on it, and for PCR tests you can scan the test results from the lab. If you anticipate any difficulty in securing a test, please contact the Health Center for assistance.

All students will test again upon their return to campus and will receive instructions from the Testing Center in early January. Once the spring semester is underway, we will continue testing, most likely weekly, and wearing masks indoors unless new information suggests we should either tighten or relax those requirements.

I hope you have a wonderful and restful break. As always, please reach out with any questions.

David