Vaccine Information

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for students, faculty and staff?

Cal Poly Pomona students and employees are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine and upload and verify their vaccination record. Students who have a medical and/or religious exemption must participate in weekly public health testing. In addition, the CSU is requiring the vaccination booster is for the spring 2022 term. The deadline for the booster is Feb. 28, 2022.

This means getting two Pfizer or Moderna shots and a booster dose in five months OR getting one Johnson & Johnson shot and a booster dose in two months. Regardless of the vaccine brand, individuals need to receive the booster within 30 days of eligibility, according to the CSU interim policy. (Represented employees will not be subject to disciplinary action until the CSU has completed the meet-and-confer process.)

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for students living on campus?
Yes. Due to the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in a close, communal living setting, University Housing Services in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies will require its residents to be fully vaccinated prior to their scheduled move-in date. Students may request a medical or religious exemption.

What vaccines are required for students?
A number of immunizations unrelated to COVID-19 are already required for student enrollment at Cal Poly Pomona. To see a full list of current required vaccines, visit the Health and Wellness website.

What will happen to students who are not vaccinated and have not requested an exemption?

Any student who does not verify their vaccination and has not requested a medical or religious exemption may face disciplinary action, per CSU policy.

I submitted a medical/religious exemption. Am I required to re-submit that every semester?
No, if you have already submitted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination, you do not need to re-submit for each term.

Are fully remote students required to get vaccinated or participate in the weekly COVID-19 testing?
The CSU’s vaccination requirement applies to students and employees who access campus facilities for class, work, on-campus activities AND those who participate in in-person university activities off campus, such as internships, co-op, research projects. Students who are fully remote should submit a self-attestation that they will not access campus or campus programs.

Can staff self-attest that they will not access campus facilities or university programs?
The self-attestation form is intended only for fully remote students and faculty who will not access campus facilities or programs. University staff and auxiliary employees may not submit the self-attestation. For faculty, the option is temporary and subject to change based on student, department and operational needs.

What will happen to employees who are not vaccinated and have not requested an exemption?

The Office of Employee/Labor Relations and Office of Faculty Affairs will be contacting staff and faculty who are not in compliance with the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy, including the weekly testing requirement for employees who have not uploaded their proof of vaccination. Cal Poly Pomona will pursue corrective action measures up to and including termination from employment for non-compliance with the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy including required testing if applicable and any other campus required health and safety measures. These measures are necessary to support the health and safety of our campus and assure continuity of learning and student success.

I’ve already tested positive for COVID. Do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes, you will still need to get vaccinated. The university policy does not allow for exemptions for those who have had COVID-19, and public health officials recommend vaccination for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19. 

I’ve had and recovered from COVID-19. Do I still need to get the vaccine and booster?  

Yes, you will still need to get vaccinated and/or boosted. According to the CDC, the vaccine provides a high level of protection against COVID-19, even for individuals who have already been sick with COVID-19. In addition, there is no longer a 90-day waiting period after infection to receive the vaccine. The exception is for individuals who received treatment with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma or people who have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C). These individuals should consult with their doctor if they have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?

Vaccines are widely available throughout the region, and they are the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and our campus community. Go to the state’s MyTurn website to make an appointment or search for a walk-in clinic.

Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?

For more information about the vaccination schedule, refer to this PDF chart from LA County Public Health.

What type of documentation is needed to verify my vaccination?

To verify your COVID-19 vaccination, go to MyHealthPortal and upload an image of your CDC vaccination card that shows your name, birthdate, date(s) of vaccination and the type of vaccine. Other forms of documentation may be accepted as long as it includes your name, birthdate, date(s) of vaccination and type of vaccine.

I’ve lost my vaccine card. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your vaccine card or need to make a correction, you can request a digital copy from the California Department of Public Health. This applies to individuals who received a shot in California.  

In MyHealthPortal, why did my vaccine status change from “Compliant” to “Not Compliant”?

The CSU is requiring students and employees to be fully vaccinated, which means getting two Pfizer or Moderna shots and a booster dose in six months OR getting one Johnson & Johnson shot and a booster dose in two months. If you are eligible to receive a booster dose, your record will be marked as “Not Compliant” until you are fully vaccinated and uploaded verification to MyHealthPortal.

I am an international student and received a different vaccine (not Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson). Will my vaccination meet the requirement?

All vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet the university’s vaccination requirement.