NJIT Vaccination Update

NJIT Community Members,

On April 28, 2021, NJIT announced that it will require vaccination for COVID-19 of all students, faculty and staff. The decision is in the interest of providing the safest possible and most vibrant living and learning environment on our campus as we return in the fall. So far, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and the Pandemic Recovery Steering Committee appreciates the collegiality and cooperation of our community. Below we provide additional information on vaccination related topics.

Vaccination of International Students and Faculty

In an effort to assist our international population in getting a vaccination prior to their return to campus and based on updated CDC guidance, NJIT will expand the list of acceptable vaccinations to include those currently authorized by the World Health Organization, with appropriate documentation. The University retains the right to determine the appropriateness of the documentation and expects that it will be from an official source, which could include, but is not limited to, an official attestation from the consulate of the country of origin.

Students or staff who completed or partially completed a COVID-19 vaccine series with a vaccine that is not authorized by FDA or not authorized for emergency use by WHO will be required to be revaccinated with a FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. Further, students or staff who are only partially vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series authorized for emergency use by WHO will be required to be revaccinated with a FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. The minimum interval between the last dose of a non-FDA authorized vaccine and an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is 28 days. NJIT will evaluate these circumstances and the impact on vaccination deadlines on a case by case basis.

Communication

A robust communication plan, including social, electronic, and print media has been implemented to provide students, faculty, and staff further details regarding vaccination. A list of frequently asked questions has been added to the Pandemic Recovery website and will be updated as new information becomes available. These frequently asked questions should be the first source of information on vaccination for the NJIT community.

Additionally, on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:30 PM, NJIT will host a “Virtual Town Hall” meeting to provide information about the currently authorized vaccines. All attendees must register for the event in advance. Campus Health Services will present up to date information on COVID-19 vaccination topics.  Faculty from the Federated Department of Biological Sciences at NJIT will participate in a panel discussion to review the science behind these vaccines and provide some clarity for those that may remain cautious or skeptical. To register for the information session, click here

Vaccine availability

The FEMA run site at NJIT’s Naimoli Family Recreation Center will begin walk-in hours for first dose vaccinations from May 11 to May 30 between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to use this on campus resource to get vaccinated. In addition, you may register at the State of New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccination website or call 1-855-568-0545 for appointments at other locations. We anticipate this site will remain on the NJIT campus through June to complete second doses.

In addition, Essex County recently announced walk in hours between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM from Monday to Saturday at the county-run center at Essex County College, 177 West Market Street, Newark. This site and all other Essex County sites are open to people who live, work or attend school in Essex County. Appointments can still be made at www.EssexCOVID.org, or by calling 973-877-8456, but they are no longer needed during the hours noted above. The Livingston site at 112 Eisenhower Pkwy is taking appointments for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as seen on the county's appointment finder website.

NJIT community members are reminded that once you have completed your full vaccination, you must upload a copy of your vaccination record into NJIT.Medicatconnect.com, a secure and HIPAA-compliant system, by following the steps outlined in this April 22 message to the campus community. Students must be fully vaccinated by the earlier of August 18, 2021 or two weeks prior moving into on campus housing. Employees must be fully vaccinated or have received their second dose of a two dose vaccine by June 28, 2021. 

As we prepare for the Fall semester and the return of our vibrant campus community, we will continue to use the three pillars of NJIT’s Pandemic Recovery Plan--adherence to governmental mandates, reliance on guidance of health experts and agencies, and our own collective informed judgment to guide our decision making. The health and welfare of the entire NJIT community remains our paramount objective as our planning evolves. Stay safe and GET VACCINATED!

Sincerely,

Andrew P. Christ, PE
Senior Vice President
Real Estate Development and Capital Operations