Dear Students,
During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has made decisions based on the best possible information in a difficult and dynamic environment. The priority is keeping our students, employees, and campus safe. Our students and University continue to lead the way and earn top national recognition for their vaccination commitments and accomplishments. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and the continued concerns with the Delta variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and booster shots. According to experts, vaccinations are the absolute best defense against serious COVID-19 illness. On Monday, November 29, 2021, the CDC significantly intensified recommendations on COVID-19 boosters for those 18 years and older. Per the recommendation, a booster shot is needed 6 months after an initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, or 2 months after a J & J vaccine.
Based on the available information and recommendations, and in the interest of maintaining your safety, as welll as our ability to continue to hold normal campus operations and programs, the University is requiring all students 18 years and older to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine booster by February 28, 2022, in accordance with the eligibility criteria. Anyone may get a booster as soon as they are eligible, and need not wait.
Students already eligible for a booster shot should make every effort to complete this requirement during the semester break period while away from campus in order to best protect themselves and help us all start the second semester as safely as possible. Additionally, the University will host booster shot clinics in late January and February, for those who are not eligible until after the semester break. Any upcoming booster clinics will be announced via email message as usual. Booster shots are readily available now with no out of pocket cost at major pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and retail pharmacies like Walmart, Target, and Meijer. Eligible individuals can visit specific pharmacy websites to schedule an appointment or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ for a complete list of options in the area of your choice. An individual may get either the Pfizer or Moderna booster shot regardless of the type of vaccine received during their initial vaccination. As you are already familiar with, students may upload and document their booster via the same portal used to submit flu shot information at
Students who have already received an approved University exemption may maintain the exemption. Please note that exempted students will continue to be required to wear a mask at all times on campus and be subject to regular testing. Students who recently completed the COVID-19 vaccination process and are not eligible for the COVID-19 booster prior to February 28, 2021 will be required to obtain a booster within 10-days of the date of their eligibility and report that to the University on the portal. Questions are answered in the FAQ here.
Students, we understand you may feel frustrated by yet another requirement. We are all feeling it now two years into the pandemic. Please know that we do not make these decisions arbitrarily, we act in the best interest of our students' well-being, and to maintain normalized operations providing you the fullest possible college experience. Your cooperation with all of these requirements is greatly appreciated, and an on-going sign of your commitment to each other and our Valpo campus and community values.
Thank you for your continued understanding and compliance with these necessary steps amidst the pandemic. We hope you have a safe, relaxing, and renewing semester break and look forward to seeing you in January.
The Student Life Staff
