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COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Boosters: A Vaccination Policy Update

December 22, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

As we prepare for the winter break, I have been reflecting with pride as to how our campus community united together to support our students’ success and to care for one another while navigating repopulation and the persistent challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With the surge of the new Omicron variant, we must remain adaptable and proactive and continue to make decisions based upon the most up-to-date scientific data and analyses available. As a campus community, we must once again take action to ensure the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff by getting the vaccine booster. 

Earlier today, CSU Chancellor Joseph Castro announced that faculty, staff and students accessing campus in spring 2022 will be required to receive a vaccine booster in compliance with the CSU’s updated COVID-19 vaccination policy. Fresno State fully supports the Chancellor’s decision to prioritize the health and safety of our campus community. All students, faculty and staff who wish to access Fresno State’s campus will be required to get a booster.

The CSU vaccine booster policy will immediately apply to all students and non-represented staff, including managers (MPPs) and auxiliary employees who have self-certified that they will be on-campus during the spring semester. Proof of a booster shot will be required by Feb. 28, 2022, or six months after the individual has received the final dose of their original vaccination, whichever is later. Represented employees will not be subject to the booster requirement until the CSU concludes the meet-and-confer process with its labor unions. As such, booster shots will be required for students and employees; and for those who have attested to religious or medical exemptions, mandatory weekly testing requirements will continue during the spring semester.

A follow-up communication will be sent in early January with guidance on how to update your Self-Certification form and upload your booster documentation in the My Fresno State portal.

We are strongly encouraging you to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and our Fresno State community. The University will be offering the following COVID-19 vaccination/booster clinics (at no cost) for students, faculty and staff in North Gym 118 (additional dates will be added): 

  • Tuesday, Jan. 4 — noon - 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 25 — 3 - 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 27 — 7 - 10 a.m. 

Although vaccinations including boosters are the most important prevention tools we have against Omicron, other measures like masking, testing and distancing provide additional layers of defense against COVID-19. With the holiday season approaching, please remember the following to help mitigate potential risk:

  • Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Get tested before travel, upon return and again 3-5 days later.
  • Take advantage of home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.
  • Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings.
  • Take precautions, including vaccinations, boosters and testing, when gathering with others without masks.
  • Wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings.

Fresno State will continue to require that face coverings be worn indoors and that the Daily Health Screening Questionnaire be completed in advance of coming to campus. If you have questions regarding these requirements, please contact University Human Resources at 559.278.2032. For the latest information and updates, visit the University’s Fall 2021 and COVID-19 website.

Thank you for your ongoing role in caring for and protecting the health and well-being of the Fresno State family. I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President