On Sept. 9, President Joe Biden announced an executive order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for employees of federal contractors, including all workplaces that employ 100 or more people and receive federal funding––like CU Boulder.
In response to the federal requirements, all CU Boulder students, faculty and staff who submitted non-medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine are now required to submit new exemptions or proof of vaccination through the MyCUHealth portal by Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.
Personal exemptions will no longer be accepted. Only medical or religious exemptions are now allowed. A religious exemption can be requested based on moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right or wrong, which are held sincerely with the strength of traditional religious views.
During the week of Nov. 15, individuals who originally submitted non-medical exemptions will be contacted directly with information and instructions on how to meet the new requirement.
Note: This expanded requirement covers only the initial course of vaccinations, not boosters.
Employee details
In line with the new federal requirements, this change applies to:
- University staff and faculty.
- Graduate students under appointments.
- Student employees.
- Employees who work on or support others working on federal contracts or agreements.
If an employee does not meet the deadline
Those who do not comply with this requirement and have not been granted a medical or religious exemption by the Jan. 1 deadline will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to ineligibility for compensation increases and/or being placed on unpaid administrative leave effective Jan. 1.
Student details
The new exemption requirements also apply to all CU Boulder students.
While the general student population is not part of the federal requirements, the university is making this change 1) because we have large numbers of undergraduate and graduate students who are employed by the university and 2) to ensure an equitable approach to all exemptions on campus. Because of our high vaccination compliance rate, the vast majority of students will not be impacted by this change.
If a student does not meet the deadline
Students who do not comply with this requirement and have not been granted a medical or religious exemption by the Jan. 1 deadline will be issued a late fee and registration hold.
Student employees who do not comply with this requirement and have not been granted a medical or religious exemption by the Jan. 1 deadline will be placed on unpaid leave, effective Jan. 1, assessed a late fee and issued a registration hold.
How to meet the new requirements
All CU Boulder students, staff and faculty who submitted a non-medical exemption form for the COVID-19 vaccine must submit a new exemption form or provide proof of vaccination through MyCUHealth. Only medical or religious exemptions are now allowed.
In order to meet the Jan. 1 deadline by getting vaccinated, it is important that you take action as soon as possible in order to receive all necessary vaccine doses and upload proof to the MyCUHealth portal.
Please keep in mind that you are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after you receive the full course of vaccine. Your final dose must occur two weeks prior to Jan. 1 to be in compliance.
Additionally, timeframes may vary depending on the vaccine manufacturer:
- Pfizer: Requires two doses to be administered at least 21 days apart. If you choose to receive the Pfizer vaccine, your first dose must be administered by Nov. 27 and second dose by Dec. 18.
- Moderna: Requires two doses to be administered at least 28 days apart. If you choose to receive the Moderna vaccine, your first dose must be administered by Nov. 20 and second dose by Dec. 18.
- Johnson & Johnson: Requires a single dose, which must be administered by Dec. 18.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer vaccine and has issued emergency use authorization for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Where to get the vaccine
All CU Boulder students, staff and faculty can receive the Pfizer vaccine for free on campus by scheduling an appointment through the MyCUHealth Portal. Additional vaccine locations are available throughout the greater Boulder and Denver areas.
Questions and additional information
For more information, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements page.
If you have any questions, email the Immunizations Team or call at 303-492-5051 (ext. 4).
For additional information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the exemption process, review the following course.
