Booster Deadline & Mask Policy Reminder

In a continued effort to keep our campus and community safe, Montclair State University is requiring all students to receive their COVID-19 booster. All eligible students must upload proof of their booster to MyHealth portal by the deadline of Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Students who do not meet the Tuesday, March 1 COVID-19 booster deadline could lose access to Canvas and their University NetID, and be dropped from their summer 2022 and fall 2022 courses. We encourage all students to get their booster shots as soon as possible, even if after the March 1 deadline.

Please Note: Students cannot choose to have a booster or have mandatory testing. Only students who have been provided a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine qualify for mandatory testing.

For Me, For You, For Us

Everyone wins when we get our booster! By getting your booster, you are helping keep our campus safe. Students who received their booster and uploaded the information to the MyHealth Portal by the early-bird deadline of Monday, January 31 were entered into a prize drawing:

• One winner of $5,000
• Two winners of $2,500
• Five winners of $1,000

Students were notified if they won on Tuesday, February 15. An announcement about the drawing was included in the Tuesday, February 15 issue of Wellness News, sent to all students.

In addition, all exempt students who are mandated to test weekly and fulfill that expectation (no missed weekly tests between Tuesday, January 18 through Sunday, May 1), are being placed in a separate drawing at the end of the spring semester for the chance to win a $500.00 gift card!

[This information was updated on February 27, 2022.]

Eligibility for a Booster

The vaccine you received for your initial vaccination determines when you are eligible to get a booster:

• Johnson & Johnson: Age 18 or older and at least two (2) months after your single dose.
• Moderna: Age 18 or older and at least five (5) months after your second dose.
• Pfizer: Age 12 or older and at least five (5) months after your second dose.

International students who were vaccinated outside of the U.S. with a WHO-approved vaccine are not recommended to receive a booster shot, at this time, but if entering the University this spring are still required to upload their vaccination information to their MyHealth portal.

Please Note: If you have completed isolation for a COVID-19 infection, you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster, you do not need to wait! View Info from the CDC.

Mask Policy

There has been some confusion about a recent announcement by Governor Phil Murphy about the relaxation of some State mask policies in mid March. This does not affect higher education institutions. Montclair State’s mask policy remains in effect. The University community will be notified if any adjustments are made to the current University policy.

A reminder the spring 2022 mask policy is still in effect:

• All students, employees, contractors and visitors are required to follow this policy. It applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The procedures below allow masks to be removed in some circumstances, but individuals are always free to wear a mask at any time on University property.
• Everyone who comes to any University facility must wear a multilayer face covering, regardless of whether the person has been vaccinated for COVID-19. The mask must cover both the nose and mouth

Indoor

• Masks must be worn at all times indoors, except when alone in a private room. You may remove your mask briefly when eating and drinking, but only when you are able to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and the others.
• Masks must be worn at all times inside University vehicles, including buses and shuttles.
• A limited number of exceptions may be permitted, including allowing performers on stage and intercollegiate athletes engaging in sports activities to remove their masks. Such exemptions will be based on established best practices and approved by the Presidential Advisory Committee.

Outdoors

• Masks are required outdoors in crowded settings or when participating in outdoor activities that involve close contact with other people.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email coronavirus@montclair.edu.