How to Comply
COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Important Update:
The Mayor’s Emergency Executive Order, the “Key to NYC" program, requires the university to post this sign or a similar one in a conspicuous place that is viewable by prospective patrons prior to entering certain indoor entertainment, recreation, food services, gym, and fitness premises where vaccines are now required. The sign alerts patrons to the vaccination requirement and informs them that employees and patrons are required to be vaccinated. Columbia affiliates should be advised that a green pass does not meet the "Key to NYC" requirements and individuals with approved religious or medical exemptions can not access these specific facilities.
Vaccine-related Policies and Guidelines
COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff who will be on campus in the fall.
Also read about New York Safe and Sick Leave and Columbia's 2021 Additional Floating Days Off.
This policy has been established to help protect individuals in the Columbia community and our neighbors.
Everyone who returns to campus must sign the health compact, which can be found in the required online safety training.
These are the most-asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently three vaccines that have either been approved or received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). These include the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. Read more.
Consistent with New York State guidance, all Columbia affiliates must continue to wear masks at all times in indoor settings in Columbia facilities and observe current 6 foot distancing as vaccination status is unknown for all individuals. Vaccinated individuals may remove masks and not physically distance only in outdoor settings on Columbia’s campuses. However, individuals may choose to continue to wear masks and observe distancing outdoors on Columbia’s campuses, thus, no assumptions should be made regarding why an individual chooses to mask outdoors. Read more.
COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for all University faculty, staff, and students. Religious and medical exemptions to vaccination will be provided in accordance with New York State public health laws. Read more.
Vaccine-related Announcements
Campus Update Forum on Tuesday, Dec. 7
This session will include up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, the newly identified omicron variant, as well as guidance about campus gatherings, travel policy, and the new year.
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters or Additional Doses for Morningside Students
Information about eligibility and how Morningside students can get a booster or additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Campus Update Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 16
This session will include up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and the fall 2021 term, including a focused discussion about COVID-19 vaccines for children.
Vaccination Video
Up-to-date information on COVID-19 and the fall 2021 term, including a focused discussion about vaccines for children.
This session includes up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and the fall 2021 term, including a discussion of COVID booster shots and flu shots.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a new public service announcement encouraging New Yorkers to get both a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine this season.
