Covid-19 Vaccination FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is Molloy requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for students?
Molloy has continued to monitor the research and data regarding the spread of COVID-19. Our decision to implement this policy is based on
- Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that shows that vaccination is highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
- Scientific evidence that shows the benefits of vaccination and supports the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to protect those who are vaccinated, and to help prevent further spread of the virus.
- Our goal to protect the university community by implementing measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Who does this policy apply to?
Molloy University’s vaccine requirement currently applies to all current Molloy students and employees except those with approved medical or religious exemptions or those enrolled in a fully online program who will not visit any Molloy location.
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Which vaccines are accepted?
Accepted COVID-19 vaccines are those currently authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes those vaccines currently authorized for emergency use in the United States (Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson).
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What is the primary course of vaccination?
Completion of the primary course of vaccination is two weeks after administration of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna) or two weeks after administration of a single dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson).
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What if I am already vaccinated?
Upload proof of your completed vaccination to the Molloy Health Portal.
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What if I am not yet vaccinated?
Complete your vaccine series before the start of the semester and upload proof of your complete vaccination before you come to any Molloy University location.
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What if I have not completed my vaccination by the beginning of the semester?
If you have begun the vaccination series but have not completed the primary course of vaccination by the beginning of the semester, you may request a temporary waiver of the vaccination requirement while you complete the vaccination series. Once vaccination is complete you must upload your proof of vaccination.
Until you are fully vaccinated, you are required to follow established health and safety protocols that apply to unvaccinated individuals at Molloy to participate in in-person learning and activities.
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What if I am fully remote or in an online degree program (i.e., won’t be on campus)?
You are exempt from this policy if you are a fully remote student. If you visit any Molloy location for any reason, you are required to show proof of vaccination.
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Where can I go with concerns or questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
- View the New York state COVID-19 vaccine website.
- Visit the New York state COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.
- Where can I find more information about the currently authorized and recognized vaccine options?
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What else is Molloy doing to continue safeguarding our community?
- Maintaining robust cleaning protocols.
- Encouraging all community members to practice good hand hygiene and stay home when feeling unwell, among other proven mitigation strategies.
- Remaining flexible if the public health situation changes and state officials announce new requirements or restrictions.
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What are the benefits of being vaccinated?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States and World Health Organization (WHO)-authorized COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19.
- All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you will get COVID-19.
- Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine also helps keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Experts continue to conduct studies to learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may reduce spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Being fully vaccinated makes you eligible for the New York state Excelsior Pass, a mobile app that provides a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. This can help you get into places and do things that require proof of vaccination.
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Can Molloy University require its employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) generally prohibits employers from asking disability-related questions. The Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that employers may require documentation or other proof of vaccination as that is not a disability-related inquiry. For more information see, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws” Question and Answer K.9.
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Does the ADA, Title VII or any other federal Equal Employment Opportunity law prevent Molloy University from mandating that its employees physically entering the workplace be vaccinated against COVID-19?
No. Employer vaccine mandates are permissible under those laws, so long as reasonable accommodations are provided to employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business.