Updates and protocols
UB officials are carefully monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of the omicron variant across the state. Our experts continue to monitor the latest scientific findings regarding the infection of the variant and the new challenges it poses
Health and Safety Guidelines for Spring 2022 are currently under revision. Please check this site regularly for updates.
The University of Buffalo is updating guidelines for students and staff before the spring semester begins, according to new guidelines from State University of New York. The guidelines will be modified based on the latest science and recommendations from health officials, and will be posted on this website.
Safety Measures Expectations
Should university leaders need to implement additional safety measures on campus to align with new health regulations, this guidance will be sent widely to all members of the university community and will include details and resources on how the University at Buffalo community can respond effectively. and implement the new directive.
Students expectations
The University at Buffalo is updating student guidelines before the start of spring, according to new guidelines from State University of New York. While more details to comeAnd Please review the following points now to help you prepare for your return:
Mandatory vaccination of students in person
- vaccination requirements. Students must comply with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements for the spring semester. New students at the University at Buffalo must submit documentation about their COVID-19 vaccination status before they will be allowed to enroll in courses. If you haven’t already, submit proof through the UB Health Services patient portal.
- *New* Requirement for reinforcement. All students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to have a booster dose and submit documentation. Reinforcement requirements must be met by January 31. If you are not eligible to receive the booster before January 31st, you must obtain the booster and submit your documents Within one week of qualifying.
- If you received a booster dose in New York State, UB Health Services may have already 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 documents, go to UB . Health Services Patient Portal.
Tests
- Back to Campus Test Requirements. All students must be tested for COVID-19 indoors 72 hours Before for their arrival on campus. The test can be a PCR or antigen (either lab performed or several at-home tests). This test must be performed Not more than 72 hours (three days) before you return to campus.
- Due to the recent high demand for COVID tests, plan ahead and schedule an appointment in advance with a local provider. If appointments are not available, you can purchase at-home test kits at your local pharmacy or online sites. If you plan to order an at-home test, we recommend doing so now due to the high demand. After completing the test at home, Take a photo of your negative test result and include your name and UB person number in the photo, along with the end date. The photo must be taken within six hours of completing the test to ensure that the result is correct.
- More details about the test and results will be provided soon.
- Monitor test requirements. The randomized control test will be conducted among all those with regular physical attendance on campus who did not receive a booster dose. More details will follow.
- A mandatory weekly test is still required for students and staff who are not fully vaccinated and have a regular presence on campus.
- Those who have been fully vaccinated can opt out of the weekly test by showing evidence that they have been fully vaccinated.
Health and safety practices
- Good health behaviours. All students are advised to strictly adhere to good hygiene practices during winter break and throughout the following semester. this means:
- wear a high-quality, airtight, high-filtration mask indoors and in public places;
- Avoid high-risk enclosed spaces where wearing masks and/or vaccination is not practical;
- Wash hands frequently
- staying home when sick;
- Get tested if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a positive person;
- Follow recommended isolation and quarantine guidelines.
UB’s definition of “fully vaccinated’
- Get a single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson / Janssen And Johnson & Johnson/Janssen or mRNA enhancer, or
- After receiving Two doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine And mRNA enhancer.
Expectations for employees
UB is updating employee guidelines before the start of spring, according to new guidelines from State University of New York. The following points illustrate some of the important steps our community will need to take:
Vaccinations and boosters
- Enhanced recommendations to all faculty and staff. While vaccinations are not mandatory for employees, University at Buffalo officials and infectious disease experts strongly urge all faculty and staff to get vaccinated and get a boost once they are medically qualified. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective defense against the coronavirus.
Tests
- Monitoring test requirements. A randomized control test will be conducted among all those with regular physical attendance on campus who did not receive a booster dose. More details will follow.
Health and safety practices
- Good health behaviours. All employees are advised to strictly adhere to good hygiene practices during winter break and throughout the following semester. this means:
- Wear a high-quality, airtight, high-filtration mask indoors and in public places.
- Avoid high-risk enclosed spaces where wearing masks and/or vaccination is not practical.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Stay home when sick.
- Get tested if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with an infected person.
- Follow recommended isolation and quarantine guidelines.
UB’s definition of “fully vaccinated’
- Get a single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson / Janssen And Johnson & Johnson/Janssen or mRNA enhancer, or
- After receiving Two doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine And mRNA enhancer.
Key dates
Vaccinations and boosters
- Students must meet their reinforcement requirements by January 31. Students who will not be eligible to receive a booster before January 31st must obtain their booster and submit their documentation Within one week of qualifying.
Back to Campus Test
- All students must be tested for COVID-19 indoors 72 hours before their arrival On campus.