CSU COVID-19 Booster Requirements

“Vaccination, including a booster when eligible, remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease. This is particularly important in light of the rapid rise of cases of COVID-19 throughout the state and nation as the Omicron variant spreads. Implementing the booster requirement now will help mitigate the potential spread of the variant on campuses as they repopulate in January after the winter break.” 

 - CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro

Given the urgency of this message and with the winter closure beginning on Friday, we ask that you read this message carefully, as there are certain actions you may need to take no later than Jan. 18, 2022.

COVID-19 Boosters Required

At SDSU, all students, faculty and staff eligible for the COVID-19 booster will be required to have their booster on file in HealtheConnect by Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 to be considered fully vaccinated. Be aware the CSU has implemented a system-wide “not to exceed” deadline of Feb. 28, but SDSU community members must be in compliance by Jan. 18.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for six months after their final dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or for two months after receiving the only dose of a single-dose vaccine, and without a booster. However, if you completed your two-dose vaccine more than six months before Jan. 18, 2022, or your single-dose vaccine more than two months before Jan. 18, 2022, you will no longer be considered fully vaccinated, per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions, and will need to get a booster.

We urge all students, faculty and staff to take time during the winter break: Talk to your healthcare provider or locate availability online to access a COVID-19 booster in a community-based setting. Many pharmacies and clinics are currently offering boosters each day, and individuals may choose any of three authorized boosters, regardless of their original vaccine, according to the CDC.

Prizes Available for Students

Each and every student who gets their booster and uploads their record to HealtheConnect before Jan. 3 at 11:59 p.m. will receive a $10 Starbucks card.

Students who upload proof of a booster to HealtheConnect prior to Jan. 17 (including those who upload before Jan. 3) will be eligible to win additional incentives, to include (several prizes in each category will be offered; one prize per winner):

• $250 Bookstore gift card
• An iPad
• $50 Bookstore gift card
• $50 Aztec Dining gift card

Prizes Available for Employees

Every employee who gets a booster and uploads their record to HealtheConnect before Jan. 3 at 11:59 p.m. will be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards each day between today and Jan. 3. Employees who upload proof of a booster to HealtheConnect prior to Jan. 17 (including those who upload before Jan. 3) will be eligible to win additional incentives, to include:

• Special university parking permits (SP) for a one-year period for two winners
• Two Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre concerts tickets for a single winner
• Two pairs of men’s or women’s basketball tickets for a single winner
• A private tour of the SDSU Mission Valley site

I am not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or will not get vaccinated. What should I do?

• Students who do not get a booster will no longer be considered fully vaccinated, and will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test on file with SDSU at least every five (5) days.
• Faculty and staff who do not get a booster will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test on file with SDSU at least every fourteen (14) days.

Those currently on an approved religious or medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine are still highly encouraged to get vaccinated and, when able, a booster. If unable to do so, you will be required to continue to adhere to the SDSU’s current testing requirements and the facial covering policy for unvaccinated individuals in indoor and outdoor settings.

I am vaccinated but cannot get a booster just yet. What should I do?

Those who have received two shots of either the Moderna or Pfizer series less than 6 months prior to Jan. 18, or have received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine less than 2 months prior to Jan. 18, are NOT yet eligible for a booster, and will not be entered into the testing protocol until their date of becoming eligible for a booster.

There is no action you need to take at this time, other than making your booster appointment for when you become eligible and continuing to take actions to protect yourself and others.

For Campus Activities and Events Prior to January 18th

To minimize opportunities for transmission prior to the booster requirement going into effect, we encourage any activities and events occurring before Jan. 18 to take place outdoors when possible. Some activities will be permitted indoors, but all students will maintain at least six feet distance throughout the event, wear facial coverings, and a maximum of 100 students is permitted even under these conditions. In accordance with campus clearance guidelines, all attendees must be cleared for on campus activities through HealtheConnect. Indoor meals at activities are not permitted at this time to reduce any need for temporary unmasking.

More Information

This new requirement for COVID-19 boosters follows research demonstrating the significantly reduced likelihood in contracting COVID-19 and in severe illness among those who receive boosters following their third vaccine dose (or second, in the case of recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).

More than 95% of our SDSU community is currently vaccinated against COVID-19, and we have been able to keep our community healthy as a result. The booster is another in a long line of public health strategies that help to protect ourselves and others as the pandemic continues to develop, and to help ensure a healthy, exciting, and fully engaged start to our spring semester.

As always, rely on the SDSU’s COVID-19 site for information and updates, including guidance about how to keep yourself and others safe during the ongoing pandemic. If you have questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations or COVID-19 testing, please email covidclearance@sdsu.edu.

Again, and as we have shared so many times before, thank you for taking action to protect your health and the wellbeing of others, including your family and friends.

Adela de la Torre, Ph.D.
San Diego State University President

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity