Update: July 12, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Dear Student,
As Governor Cuomo announced in May, all students planning to attend in-person classes at SUNY and CUNY campuses this fall must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This mandate will be implemented by SUNY and Buffalo State College once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approves one of the three COVID-19 vaccines currently available under an Emergency Use Authorization—although the timing of full FDA approval remains unclear.
In the meantime, if you have not yet been vaccinated, now is the time to do it. We’re all looking forward to getting back to the things we’ve missed most over the past year and a half—and the best way to ensure a smooth and safe return to campus is to get vaccinated before returning.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. They’re now available at most local pharmacies, so it’s easy and convenient to get your shots.
Find a vaccine location near you.
SUNY is kicking off its #30DayVaxChallenge today to get as many students as possible fully vaccinated before the start of the fall semester. Don’t wait until the last minute—take control of your fall semester by scheduling your vaccination now.
It’s understandable to have doubts and concerns about the vaccines. You are not alone. But millions of others, just like you, have done the research and put their doubts aside to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
Question: I already had COVID. Why do I need the vaccine?
Answer: Virus variants like the Delta variant are on the rise, and unvaccinated individuals are most at risk for serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
Question: Can I trust vaccines that were developed so quickly?
Answer: The tech behind the vaccines is not new and researchers have been working with it for decades. Millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Question: I’m healthy and not at risk for COVID. Why should I get vaccinated?
Answer: Many people are still not eligible for the vaccine, including everyone under the age of 12. Being fully vaccinated helps prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others.
Question/Concern: I’m concerned about long-term effects of the vaccine.
Answer: Serious side effects causing long-term health problems are extremely unlikely with any vaccine, including COVID. On the other hand, there are reports of serious longer-term effects of COVID-19 infection, known as Long COVID.
Learn more from SUNY and community experts at suny.edu/knowyourvax, or talk to your doctor or the Weigel Wellness Center for more information.
We look forward to seeing you—vaccinated and healthy—this fall.
Sincerely,
Rock Doyle
Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellness
Weigel Wellness Center
SUNY Buffalo State College
(716) 878-6711
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