Cornell recommends booster shots for eligible staff, students

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University is recommending that its employees and students who are eligible for a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine get one, but it’s not requiring that at this time.

The FDA and CDC have recently expanded the use of COVID-19 boosters to eligible individuals who received a final dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. Under the CDC guidance, individuals who are over age 65, residents of long-term care settings, those 18 and over who have underlying health conditions, and those who live or work in high-risk settings are now eligible for a booster. Cornell notes that includes people who work or live in a residential educational setting, like a college campus.

“Cornell is not requiring members of our community to receive a booster at this time; however, as breakthrough cases continue to occur, we encourage you to consider receiving a booster once eligible,” Gary Koretzky, vice provost for academic integration at Cornell, and Sharon McMullen, the university’s assistant VP for health and wellbeing, student, and campus life, wrote Monday in a website message to the Cornell community. “Students, faculty and staff who receive a COVID-19 booster are encouraged to upload documentation through the Daily Check [the university’s COVID vaccination-documentation website]. Though not required, it allows the university to adapt to evolving public health guidelines and to understand the level of protection of our campus community.”

The officials also recommended that staff and students also receive flu shots as that season has started.