COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for All Incoming Students
The COVID-19 pandemic is still a big challenge in California and around the world. COVID-19 variants are virulent and continue to cause new COVID-19 infections. The university considers the health and safety of its students, faculty, and staff of the highest importance. Therefore, SFBU requires the following:
COVID-19 BOOSTER DOSE REQUIREMENTS
On Nov. 19, 2021, the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved all adults to receive a booster shot six months after their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer BioNTech vaccines, or a second vaccination at least two months after their Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
To help us provide high quality classes, student services, extracurricular activities, and other programs in a healthy environment, SFBU requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive a booster dose for COVID-19 in order to attend on-campus classes and events, or to use the campus for any other reason.
Faculty, staff, and students whose vaccination series was completed more than six months ago must get a booster shot, and send written documentation to health@sfbu.edu before coming to campus.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must show proof of their first dose of the vaccine before arriving on campus. Students who chose a 2-dose vaccine must also show proof of the second dose when it is due.
When you are admitted to SFBU, please upload a copy of your proof of vaccination to your Student Portal, or email a copy to health@sfbu.edu. Students who are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated will have to get a COVID-19 test (in accordance with the State Public Health Officer Order of July 26, 2021) not more than 72 hours before entering the campus. After the 72-hour period following the most recent COVID-19 test, these students must get a new COVID-19 test every time they enter the campus. A copy of the test result must be uploaded to the Student Portal or emailed to health@sfbu.edu before coming on campus.
Only vaccines that are currently authorized and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, Sinopharm, Sinovac, COVAXIN, Covovax, Nuvaxovid, and CanSino. Information about COVID vaccinations, testing, and other related matters can be found at the Alameda County website at covid-19.acgov.org. Students may also learn more about COVID-19 vaccines by reviewing the CDC’s Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines , and students should ask their doctors if they have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
In accordance with the law, SFBU will accommodate students who cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons. These students can request an exemption by emailing a letter stating the request and the reason for the request to Judy Weng, Registrar, at health@sfbu.edu. Students may be required to provide additional documentation, and/or follow additional procedures. If SFBU administration approves the exemption, these students will have to get a COVID-19 test (in accordance with the State Public Health Officer Order of July 26, 2021) not more than 72 hours before entering the campus. After the 72-hour period following the most recent COVID-19 test, these students must get a new COVID-19 test every time they enter the campus. A copy of the test result must be uploaded to the Student Portal or emailed to health@sfbu.edu before coming on campus.
Using a fake vaccine card is a federal crime. 18 U.S.C. sec. 1017 criminalizes the fraudulent or wrongful use of a government seal (in this case, the seal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC). Creating or using a fake vaccine card is a federal crime, with punishment of up to five years in prison.
MASK REQUIREMENTS
SFBU strongly recommends and encourages wearing masks on campus. Nevertheless, wearing masks is optional while on campus, with the following exceptions:
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CLASSROOMS
Students are required to wear masks in classrooms.
Professors are strongly encouraged to use masks, but masks are optional while lecturing in classrooms.
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ADMINISTRATION
Masks are required for everyone in the administrative area.
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EXPOSURE
Masking is required for anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19. SFBU will continue to notify everyone of positive case exposures. In such cases, masks will be required for 10 days following the date of exposure.
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OTHER
Everyone should be considerate of people who may be at higher risk because of age or illness, and those who simply wish to remain safe.
EATING ON CAMPUS
The Dining Hall is now open for eating. Eating is allowed only in the Dining Hall and outside Quad. Eating is not permitted in the rest of the campus. Thank you for keeping your campus clean.
REQUIREMENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a frequently changing situation, and guidance from state and local authorities changes as more information becomes available, other requirements may also apply in the future.
Students with questions about SFBU's mandatory vaccine requirement should contact Judy Weng at health@sfbu.edu.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Requirements for All Incoming Students
As an incoming student, you must have Tuberculosis (TB) testing before arriving on campus. The purpose is to keep the SFBU campus healthy and safe. You must visit your primary care physician (doctor) or a clinician before arriving at SFBU. Please print the following TB Risk Assessment and Clinical Tuberculosis Assessment by Health Care Provider (ACHA Adapted TB Screening Form):
The first part of the form, “Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment,” must be filled out by your medical provider. If your doctor answers “Yes” to any of the questions, he/she must complete the second part of the form, “Clinical Tuberculosis Assessment by Health Care Provider.” Please upload the completed form to your Student Portal. Also, please upload copies of laboratory reports and chest x-rays, if any, with the completed form. If you don’t do this, your form will not be complete, and you will not be able to register for courses.
If you have questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. If you still have a question, please email health@sfbu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What if my doctor will not fill out this form?
Please ask your doctor strongly to fill out this form, and explain that your university requires this form. At least, your doctor should provide his/her own TB test form, together with your medical records.
Q2: What if I had a TB test done recently?
You must complete another TB test if you have not had a TB test done in the month before the date of your acceptance to SFBU. If you have had a TB evaluation done in the last month, please send the testing report to health@sfbu.edu. SSFBU will review the report to decide if it is enough. Please do not send reports dated more than one month before the date of your acceptance letter.
Q3: What if I cannot schedule a doctor’s appointment in time before coming to SFBU?
You will have to get your TB evaluation immediately when you arrive. The TB evaluation takes one to two weeks to complete. You will not be able to register for courses until you complete your TB evaluation.
Q4: If I was born in the United States and never left the country, or if I am a permanent resident or U.S. citizen, do I still have to be tested?
Please have your doctor complete the “Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment” form to decide if you need to be tested.
Meningococcal Facts
According to California Health and Safety Code Section 120397, you are being notified about the risks of meningococcal disease.
What you should know about meningococcal disease
- It is a serious illness caused by bacteria that can infect the blood or areas around the brain and spinal cord. Infection can cause brain damage, disability, and quick death. Meningitis is the most common form of meningococcal disease. Common symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, headache, and high fever.
- Meningococcal vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease. Check with your health care provider about meningococcal vaccines that you need.
How many people get the disease? Who is likely to get it?
- Meningococcal disease is rare but serious. About 1,000 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease each year. After babies, older adolescents (teens) and young adults have the highest rate of meningococcal disease. First-year college students living in dormitories are particularly at risk.
How serious is it?
- About one in ten people who get meningococcal disease will die from it, even with treatment. Up to one in five people who survive will lose an arm or leg, become deaf, suffer brain damage, or have other problems.
How do Meningococcal Bacteria spread?
- The bacteria are spread from person to person through air droplets. Close contact such as kissing, coughing, smoking, and living in crowded conditions (like dormitories) can increase the risk of getting the disease.
- Overall, 5-10% of people in the U.S. have the meningococcal bacteria in their throat, but only a few of these people get sick. No one knows why some people get sick and others do not.
How can I protect myself?
- You can protect yourself by:
- Not sharing items that have touched someone else’s mouth, such as cups, bottles, cigarettes, lip balm, and spoons and forks;
- Not smoking; and
- Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease.
- Check with your health care provider about which meningococcal vaccines you need.
Which Meningococcal Vaccines Should I Get?
- MCV4 vaccine protects against four deadly types of meningitis. If you have not received this vaccine since your 16th birthday, get it now.
- MenB vaccine protects against the most common cause of bacterial meningitis among teens and young adults. In recent years, Men B outbreaks have happened at University of California Santa Barbara, the University of Oregon, and Princeton University. Ask your doctor if you should get this vaccine.
For more information about meningococcal disease, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html