UB Vaccination Updates and Protocols
Spring 2022 health and safety guidelines are currently under review. Please regularly check this website for updates.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and the UB community. This page contains important information about the university's vaccination requirements and protocols.
What You Need to Know
Get Vaccinated
Frequently Asked Questions
All UB students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend classes in-person in the spring, according to a mandate from the state.
UB's definition of ‘fully vaccinated’:
Having received a complete series of an FDA-approved/authorized or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine and an FDA-approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine booster when eligible.
Students
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Students may qualify for an exemption due to medical reasons or religious beliefs, or if they are learning fully remotely.
Deadlines
Students who have not yet complied have a Missing COVID-19 Vaccine Proof hold on their HUB Student Center account.
If you have already uploaded your proof of vaccination, it may take 5-7 business days to verify your information. Once verified, the hold in HUB will be released. Please review your HUB Student Center holds to determine your current compliance status.
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Students who become fully vaccinated after being resigned from in-person classes will have the opportunity to re-enroll in in-person classes in fall 2022.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
UB’s vaccination mandate is a strict policy with serious repercussions and was put in place to protect the health and safety of our campus community. Vaccines are shown to be safe and effective.
FULLY REMOTE CLASSES
In order to continue to participate in fully remote classes for spring 2022, you must submit a fully remote exemption form. Students who receive a fully remote exemption are not permitted to have a physical presence at any SUNY facility, including for the purpose of using on-campus services, for the duration of the semester.
What to Submit
The Excelsior Pass is not sufficient proof of vaccination.
Proof of vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is defined as the following:
- Copy of a vaccine record indicating receipt of all doses necessary to complete an FDA authorized/approved, or World Health Organization authorized SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series.
- Each page of the submitted documents must have student’s first name and last name, and their UB Person number.
- The submitted record must include the specific name of the vaccine(s) given and the date(s) of vaccination.
Vaccine guidance for employees
- Booster recommendations for all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandated for employees, UB officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get fully vaccinated, which now includes getting a booster as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
- Surveillance testing requirement. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
- Human Resources has provided guidance to employees on how to provide proof of vaccination.
If you live on campus
All students and advisers living in residence halls and university-owned-and-operated apartments are required to be fully vaccinated upon move in to their assigned, on-campus residence.
It is imperative that you get fully vaccinated as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines are shown to be safe and effective. They are free of charge and readily available. Full approval of several vaccines has been granted by the FDA.
FAQs: Understanding Vaccines
How do we know the vaccines will protect against the variants?
Current scientific evidence suggests that vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death.
Updated December 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
How long will the vaccine protect me?
We don’t know yet how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. Recent studies show that protection against the virus may decrease over time. This reduction in protection has led CDC to recommend that everyone ages 16 years and older get a booster shot after completing their primary vaccination series.
Updated December 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
I have already had the virus, so why should I get vaccinated?
Immunity conferred by infection is much more variable than that conferred by vaccination, particularly if your infection was asymptomatic or mild. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.
It has also become clear that if you were previously infected and then get vaccinated you will have a tremendous immune response that is predicted to be highly protective and long-lasting.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
Some people don’t want to get vaccinated because they say the long-term effects are unknown; is this accurate?
Most adverse effects due to vaccination will occur within the first one to two months. There are no historical examples of vaccinations causing an adverse event outside of that timeframe. However, even if at some point down the line, an uncommon, long-term consequence from the COVID-19 vaccine is identified, the long-term consequences of COVID-19 will still be exponentially greater than any from vaccination.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
The COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out so quickly, are they still considered experimental?
The vaccines were tested in 40,000 people and now more than 400 million doses have been given. Emergency use authorization (EUA) of the vaccines does not equate to being experimental. EUA status was obtained after two months of safety data; full licensure requires six months of safety data.
After 400 million doses have been administered, the safety profile of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines look very good. It’s important to note that both Pfizer and Moderna are now applying for full licensure and it is fully expected that both of these will receive it.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
What about information on social media that says the vaccines can make you infertile or get into your DNA?
There is absolutely no evidence that the vaccines cause infertility or get into your DNA. These fears are propagated on social media, which is not a reliable source of information on vaccines or COVID-19. Instead, rely on trusted sources: Erie County, New York State, the CDC, or alternatively, an individual you trust. It could be a primary care physician or a pastor but it’s critical that the trusted individual be someone who gives you reliable information.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
What steps should the immunocompromised take?
If you are immunocompromised, it’s best to talk to your health care provider because not all immune-compromising conditions are equal. Immunocompromised individuals should definitely get vaccinated, but they also should take precautions in high-risk settings, such as indoors, where there may be people who are unvaccinated.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
Where can I find additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine?
UB strongly supports New York State’s vaccination program and the need for members of the university and Western New York community to get vaccinated in order to protect our region against COVID-19.
See the CDC's Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines for additional information.
Updated July 26, 2021
Vaccination Vaccine Safety
FAQs: About Booster Shots
Who is eligible to receive a booster shot?
For the latest information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Updated December 10, 2021
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
What type of documents do I need to receive a booster shot?
At your first vaccination appointment, you should have received a COVID-19 vaccination record card that tells you what vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. Bring this vaccination card and a government-issued photo ID to your booster shot vaccination appointment.
For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Updated October 22, 2021
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
Are students required to receive a booster shot?
UB requires all on-campus students, with the exception of students with religious or health exemptions, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Updated January 7, 2022
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
Are employees required to receive a booster shot?
Vaccine guidance for employees
- Booster recommendations for all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandated for employees, UB officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get fully vaccinated, which now includes getting a booster as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
- Surveillance testing requirement. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
- Human Resources has provided guidance to employees on how to provide proof of vaccination.
Updated January 7, 2022
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
- Booster recommendations for all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandated for employees, UB officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get fully vaccinated, which now includes getting a booster as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
Are on-campus clinics offering the booster shot?
Yes. UB is hosting a designated New York State vaccination site in Harriman Hall on South Campus. The site offers Pfizer booster shots to eligible people, including members of the UB community. You can walk-in or schedule an appointment by visiting: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. The Harriman site may expand to offer boosters for the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines. Visit the Am I Eligible link for more information and updates.
Updated November 18, 2021
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
Are booster shots available off-campus?
Yes, booster doses are free and available statewide at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other locations across New York State. Visit vaccines.gov or text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Updated October 22, 2021
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
I’m young, healthy and vaccinated. Do I really need a booster shot?
Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the U.S. continue to be effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating delta variant. However, by getting a booster shot, you will decrease the likelihood that you'll get infected and protect others as well, particularly those that are more vulnerable and more likely than you for developing serious disease. This includes the unvaccinated, the immunocompromised and older adults.
Updated October 22, 2021
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
What is the deadline to comply with the booster requirement?
All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by January 31, 2022. If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster by January 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
Updated January 20, 2022
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
I am a continuing student who has an approved COVID-19 vaccine exemption. Do I need to resubmit an exemption request for the spring ‘22 booster requirement?
A student who received an approved COVID-19 vaccine exemption does not need to reapply. The approved exemption will automatically apply to the booster requirement. For students who have an approved fully remote exemption, the approved exemption will automatically apply to the booster requirement; however, you must reapply per each term for which you remain a remote learner.
Updated January 20, 2022
Tags:Booster Vaccination Vaccine moderna johnson pfizer
FAQs: How to get Vaccinated
Does UB have a vaccination site on campus?
Yes, UB is hosting a designated New York State vaccination site for the Western New York community in Harriman Hall on the university’s South Campus.
Visit the New York State Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine website for
- additional information about the site
- vaccine types available.
You may also call the state hotline at 1-833-697-4829 (1-833-NYS-4-VAX).
Information regarding parking and a map of UB's South Campus is available on the UB Parking and Transportation website.
Updated September 9, 2021
Vaccination Vaccine
Where can I get vaccinated?
UB is hosting a designated New York State vaccination site for the Western New York community in Harriman Hall on the university’s South Campus. At this New York State-run site, you can walk in or schedule an appointment by visiting the state’s COVID-19 vaccination appointment website.
Booster doses are also free and available statewide at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other locations across New York State.
Visit vaccines.gov or text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Updated December 8, 2021
Vaccination Vaccine
FAQs: Keeping Safe
In addition to getting vaccinated, what can I do to continue to protect myself and others?
If you have a cough or a cold, you should wear a mask, and always stay home whenever you aren’t feeling well. Even if you feel fine, you might give it to someone who does not feel fine.
Also, share your vaccine experience with family members and friends who remain unvaccinated. Hearing about your experience with vaccination may help them overcome their hesitancy to get vaccinated.
The overall safety of our community is directly related to the number of people vaccinated.
Effective Aug. 3, the University at Buffalo will require all students, employees and visitors – regardless of their vaccination status – to wear face coverings while inside campus buildings. This includes classrooms, hallways, libraries, research and teaching laboratories and other common spaces, as well as UB buses and shuttles. For vaccinated individuals, face coverings are not required inside personal rooms at residence halls, while eating in on-campus dining areas, when alone within personal offices or in non-public-facing personal workstations.
The new policy is in accordance with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Erie County Department of Health.
For fully vaccinated individuals, face coverings are not required inside personal rooms at residence halls, while eating in on-campus dining areas and spaces, and when alone in personal offices or workstations that are not accessible to the general public. Vaccinated individuals must wear masks when moving around the office and interacting with other employees.
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals must wear a face covering at all times, including personal offices and workstations.
Vaccinated UB students and employees will not be required to wear face coverings outdoors on UB campuses, but unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear face coverings in all outdoor settings.
Face coverings will be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at outdoor events or settings where large groups of people congregate, such as at on-campus football games.
Updated September 15, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
Should I be concerned about surface transmission of the virus on campus and elsewhere?
From a cleanliness standpoint, there’s nothing wrong with wiping down your phone, computers and surfaces you touch, but the data show that this virus spreads primarily through the air. Being indoors with other infected individuals presents the greatest risk, particularly for those who are unvaccinated and not wearing a mask in that setting.
Updated July 16, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
Will public health measures (face masks, physical distancing) still be necessary after people start getting vaccinated?
Masking, distancing guidelines
In accordance with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Erie County Department of Health, UB requires all students, employees and visitors—regardless of their vaccination status—to wear a high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration mask indoors and in public settings.
Make sure your mask completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly against your face.
Face Coverings
Regardless of vaccination status, high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks are required in classrooms, hallways, libraries, research and teaching laboratories and other common spaces, as well as UB buses and shuttles.
For fully vaccinated individuals, high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks
are not required inside personal rooms at residence halls, while eating in on-campus dining areas and spaces, and when alone in personal offices or workstations that are not accessible to the general public. Vaccinated individuals must wear high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks when moving around the office and interacting with other employees. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals must wear high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks at all times, including personal offices and workstations.
UB defines a personal workstation as workspace assigned to one individual, such as a cubicle, that allows for a comfortable amount of physical distance to be maintained between colleagues.
OUTDOOR SETTINGS
- Vaccinated UB students and employees are not required to wear high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks outdoors on UB campuses.
- Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear high-quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks in all outdoor settings.
- High quality, tight-fitting, high-filtration masks are required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at outdoor events or settings with more than 100 people in attendance. Individuals can remove face coverings to eat or drink but must replace when finished.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
- Physical distancing is not required for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals indoors or outdoors on UB campuses.
- Unvaccinated persons are encouraged to observe physical distancing wherever practical.
Updated August 2, 2021
Vaccination Vaccine
FAQs: For UB students and employees
What happens if I don’t receive the vaccine?
Vaccine Guidance for Students
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for employees
- Booster recommendations for all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandated for employees, UB officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get fully vaccinated, which now includes getting a booster as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
- Surveillance testing requirement. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
- Human Resources has provided guidance to employees on how to provide proof of vaccination.
If you still intend to get vaccinated, we advise you to do so right away. Vaccines are shown to be safe and effective. They are free of charge and readily available. Full approval of the vaccine has been granted by the FDA, please make note of the urgency of the above timeframe and deadlines. More information about getting vaccinated is available on the COVID-19 immunization requirements page.
Updated January 7, 2022
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
Do students, faculty and staff need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to live/work/study on UB’s campuses?
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
All students and advisers living in residence halls and university-owned-and-operated apartments are required to be fully vaccinated upon move in to their assigned, on-campus residence.
Vaccine guidance for employees
- Booster recommendations for all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandated for employees, UB officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get fully vaccinated, which now includes getting a booster as soon as medically eligible. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
- Surveillance testing requirement. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
- Human Resources has provided guidance to employees on how to provide proof of vaccination.
Updated January 7, 2022
Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Required Requirement
How do I meet the COVID-19 immunization requirements for the spring semester?
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
All students and advisers living in residence halls and university-owned-and-operated apartments are required to be fully vaccinated upon move in to their assigned, on-campus residence.
See Also
Updated January 7, 2022
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
I've been fully vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine if (1) exposed to an individual who tested COVID-19 positive or (2) traveled to a U.S. state other than those contiguous to New York?
When to Quarantine
- People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19, unless they have symptoms.
- If you have not been vaccinated and have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone who has COVID-19, then you should quarantine, according to the CDC.
People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks (14 days) after receiving the full vaccine series of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
Updated July 27, 2021
Quarantine Isolation Positive Infected
If I get vaccinated, do I still need to participate in surveillance testing?
Students and employees who are regularly on campus will no longer need to participate in mandatory weekly testing upon verifying that they have been fully vaccinated.
However, required weekly testing will continue for those who are on campus and have not been fully vaccinated or fail to verify that they are fully vaccinated.
Human Resources has provided guidance to employees on how to provide proof of vaccination. Students can submit vaccination documentation through the Student Health Services portal.
More information about UB's vaccination updates and protocols can be found here.
Updated January 7, 2022
Vaccination Vaccine Surveillance Test Testing
Why is UB requiring students who live on campus to be vaccinated?
As an additional health and safety measure, and in adherence with SUNY COVID-19 protocols, UB is requiring all students living in university owned and operated residence halls and apartments to submit proof of vaccination before moving in to their spring assignments. This decision was made given the high population density of our residence halls and apartment buildings, as well as the frequent and close contact of individuals in UB’s residential communities. Specifically, in congregate living settings, there is higher risk for spread of illness, and vaccination is a proven, preventative tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Requiring the vaccine protects our community and allows for the safest on-campus housing setting possible.
Updated July 23, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
What is the SUNY Vaccine Management System and do I need to use it?
SUNY recently introduced a system-wide solution for all campuses to track verified COVID-19 vaccination status of SUNY students. UB has made the decision as an institution to continue to use UB Health Services to collect this information. As a result, UB students should continue to only upload their COVID-19 vaccination records to UB Health Services at https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/life-on-campus/health/medical-care/results-and-records.html and do not need to log into nor provide their COVID-19 vaccine information to the SUNY Vaccine Management System.
While all SUNY campuses are required to utilize this system, in the case of UB, SUNY administration will utilize existing campus-level data to assist in populating the system-wide vaccination management system. UB will be sharing limited vaccination data with SUNY in order to calculate UB’s student vaccination rate.
Updated August 2, 2021
exemption Vaccination Vaccine Required Mandatory Requirement
I am an international student/scholar, where can I learn more about vaccine requirements?
More infomation about UB's vaccination protocols can be found here. You can also find information for international students here.
Updated July 28, 2021
International WHO CDC FDA Vaccination Vaccine Country
FAQS: For UB International Students and Scholars
I received an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine in my home country. Do I need to get vaccinated again when I come to UB?
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Updated January 18, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
What if my proof of vaccination is not written in English?
Vaccination documents should be submitted to UB in their original, official format along with a copy translated into English.
Updated July 28, 2021
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
What if I was unable to get vaccinated in my home country? Can I be vaccinated when I arrive at UB?
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Updated January 7, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
I received a COVID-19 vaccine in my home country that has NOT been approved by either FDA or WHO. What do I do?
In this case, students will need to get vaccinated again, this time with a COVID vaccine authorized for use by the FDA.
Students should wait at least 28 days after their last dose of the non-authorized vaccine before beginning with a new series of the authorized vaccine.
For more information related to COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by WHO, visit their website
Updated January 18, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
What should I do if I received only the first dose of an FDA-approved vaccine prior to arrival in the US?
Make sure to know how long you need to wait before obtaining the second dose. After the waiting period between doses expires, make arrangements to get the second dose. You will then need to obtain a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated.
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Updated January 7, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
What if I received a first dose of a WHO-authorized vaccine in my home country, but wasn’t able to get the second dose before leaving for UB?
Students who received an incomplete series of a WHO COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use that is not FDA-approved or FDA-authorized do not need to restart a primary vaccination series in the United States. (Revised January 7, 2022)
In this case, the student should receive a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days since receipt of their most recent dose.
Then the student should also receive a single Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster dose, at least 5 months after completing their primary series.
UB's definition of ‘fully vaccinated’:
Having received a complete series of an FDA-approved/authorized or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine and an FDA-approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine booster when eligible.Updated January 18, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
What are the vaccination requirements for moving into university owned and operated residence halls and apartments?
Only fully vaccinated students can move into university owned and operated residence halls and apartment housing. Students with approved exemptions will also be allowed to move in.
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.
- New students to UB must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they are allowed to register for courses. If you have not already done so, submit proof through the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Continuing students must ensure they also meet the *NEW* booster requirement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to obtain a booster and submit documentation. This booster requirement must be met by Jan. 31. If you will not be eligible to receive a booster before Jan. 31, you must obtain your booster and submit your documentation within one week of becoming eligible.
- If you received your booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may already have received this information from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).
- To view the COVID-19 vaccination information that UB Health Services currently has on file for you or to upload your documentation, go to the UB Health Services Patient Portal.
- Noncompliance with the SUNY mandate: Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 booster requirement will be dropped or resigned from all classes with an in-person component. Please note: You are financially liable for all courses from which you are resigned due to noncompliance with the COVID-19 booster requirement. You should understand that being dropped or resigned from a course may impact financial aid, medical insurance eligibility, sequence of required courses and/or time to graduation.
Vaccine guidance for international students
- For individuals who have received a series of a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine, a booster of a Food and Drug Administration-approved (e.g., Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory (once eligible) to be considered fully vaccinated/up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Updated January 7, 2022
Tags:Vaccination Vaccine International FDA WHO
- Vaccination requirement. Students must be in compliance with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the spring semester.