12/22/2021
By Joseph C. Hartman

To ensure ongoing protection for all university community members from the spread of COVID-19, UMass Lowell will require students next semester to obtain a booster shot by Feb. 28 if eligible and within 30 days of becoming eligible thereafter. Students not boosted who are eligible to receive the booster will have a hold placed on their account preventing Summer or Fall on-campus course registrations until proof of the additional shot is provided. Approved vaccination exemptions will remain in effect.

The CDC has strengthened its recommendations on booster shots for individuals 18 and older, with eligibility six months after the second shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination series or two months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Students who were vaccinated outside of the U.S. with a WHO-approved vaccine should receive a booster of the Pfizer vaccine type per guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

After receiving their boosters, students should upload their updated vaccination cards to the Student Health Portal. UML Health Services staff will be available to answer additional questions after the conclusion of the winter break.

You can visit the Massachusetts VaxFinder to find and schedule a booster appointment.

Consistent with existing faculty and staff COVID-19 vaccination agreements, the university is working with unions to implement similar booster requirements for employees who do not have an approved exemption. Existing vaccine requirements for vendors will be expanded to include boosters. Additional details on timelines and submitting proof of receiving a booster will be communicated in the weeks ahead.

The booster requirement follows clear evidence of waning immunity by the six-month mark for the two mRNA vaccines as well as the increased likelihood of breakthrough infections due to the recently identified omicron variant. Vaccinations have been shown to decrease the severity of illness as well as reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Since the onset of the pandemic the UMass Lowell community has been proactive in its commitment to reduce risk and take actions that keep each other safe. Thank you for all you’ve done for this university during a challenging year and have a healthy and peaceful winter break.