Message to the Campus Community: COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Update

February 15, 2023

I am writing today with an update to the University’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. With the ongoing improvement of the pandemic, decline in infection rates and high percentage of already vaccinated individuals, after careful review and consideration, St. Joseph’s University, New York will be changing its policy to “optional and strongly recommend” for the COVID-19 vaccine and booster series, effective immediately. 

It has always been the primary goal of the institution to keep its community healthy and safe throughout the global pandemic. While proof of the COVID vaccination will no longer be required as a condition of enrollment or employment, we do understand that there are some members of the SJNY community that may be more vulnerable than others to severe illness. As such, we are still strongly encouraging our collective community to follow the public health guidelines of medical professionals and stay current with their immunizations.

It is important to note that students and faculty participating at clinical and/or internship sites and in field placements must continue to comply with vaccination and other COVID-19 policies in place at the facilities they are serving. Additionally, students who live in EHS housing and some study abroad programs may still require the vaccine to participate. As a reminder, the wearing of face masks is also currently optional at the University. We do recognize that some members of our community will want to continue to wear masks, and we remain most supportive of that. Please understand that our health protocols are subject to change at any time with new developments that may arise in the future. We will continue to closely monitor all public health issues and provide updates as necessary.

I would like to take this time to extend my sincere gratitude for your continued cooperation and ongoing support of our efforts during one of the most challenging times in the history of our more than century-old institution. It has not been easy, but we got through it together. I am optimistic about the future of St. Joseph’s and look forward to our continued good work together.