The University has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. The purpose of this policy is to promote important public health measures and facilitate the health and safety of the Tulane community and those within the broader New Orleans community. The COVID-19 vaccines currently available are effective at decreasing the likelihood of contracting COVID-19, preventing serious illness in vaccinated individuals who do contract COVID-19 and limiting the transmission of COVID-19. This vaccination requirement is critical part of the University’s overall plan to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Vaccinated individuals must continue to comply with other applicable University rules regarding COVID-19.
Booster vaccines are quickly emerging as the best defense against the Omicron variant, which is responsible for an increasing number of new infections. All faculty and staff are currently required to receive a booster vaccine once they become eligible (six months after completing their initial series).
In the spring semester, we also expect to require booster vaccines for students when they become eligible to receive them. We strongly urge any student who is currently eligible to receive their booster to do so prior to the beginning of the spring semester.
All employees, approved volunteers, emeritus faculty, and visiting faculty who physically access a university facility or participate in a university-sponsored program or on-campus activity are covered by this policy. Access is not defined by reference to any frequency such as daily, weekly, ad hoc, etc.
All persons currently at the university and that are covered by this policy must be fully vaccinated by November 15, 2021, unless granted a medical or religious exemption. All persons hired by the University after September 24, 2021, are required to show proof they are fully vaccinated prior to their start date unless granted a medical or religious exemption. Persons will be provided information on how to apply for a medical or religious exception prior to their first day of work and will not be permitted to come to campus until a determination has been made with respect to the exemption request.
A person is considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed since completion of a COVID-19 vaccine series (for example, 1 dose of the J&J vaccine or 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine); as well as any boosters consistent with CDC and FDA guidance.
All persons covered by this policy must provide proof of vaccination by uploading a copy of their official CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to the Campus Health Patient Portal.
Persons who have attempted to comply but are unable to meet the deadlines for full vaccination or submitting the required documents for an exemption, through no fault of their own, may contact Human Resources in advance of November 1, 2021, to request a temporary extension of the deadline.
Information on local vaccine providers is available at campushealth.tulane.edu. You are not required to receive a vaccination at these locations and may choose a vaccine provider of your preference.
Employees will be paid for time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and for time to recover from ill effects if any. Employees are to work with their supervisor to schedule an appropriate time to comply with this policy.
An exemption for medical or religious reasons may be granted. Persons requesting a medical or religious exemption must make their request by submitting the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Form and or the COVID-19 Vaccination Religious Exemption Form no later than October 15, 2021 to allow time for review. Requests will be reviewed by Human Resources and/or the Office of Campus Accessibility and may involve an interactive process to discuss the request if questions arise during the review process. Persons granted an exemption must comply with all University rules and protocols for unvaccinated persons. An approved medical or religious exemption does not automatically allow a person to work remotely.
Managers will be notified of employees that have been granted an exemption to monitor for compliance with COVID-19 protocols. No confidential information or the type of exemption that was granted should be shared.
All requests for exemption and related documentation will be maintained by Human Resources and approval decisions are typically processed within three business days after submission If you have previously reported declination of vaccination, you will now need to submit for exemption from vaccination. An exemption request is pending until notice of approval or denial is submitted by Tulane.
To apply for a medical exemption, complete the form found here and submit to ADAAccess@tulane.edu. To apply for a religious exemption, complete the form found here and submit to EmployeeRelations@tulane.edu.
Employee failure to comply with this policy, including violations of requirements for those that have been granted an exemption, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination consistent with the terms of the Faculty and Staff Handbooks.
The University prohibits any form of retaliation for requesting or receiving an exemption under this policy or for reporting a possible violation of this policy or any other health or safety concern.
Government and public health guidance regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines are changing as new information becomes available. The University reserves the right to modify this policy at any time in its sole discretion to adapt to changing circumstances and business needs, consistent with its commitment to promoting the health and safety of the Tulane community.
To apply for a medical exemption, complete the form found here and submit to ADAAccess@tulane.edu.
To apply for a religious exemption, complete the form found here and submit to EmployeeRelations@tulane.edu.
An exemption request is pending until notice of approval or denial is submitted by Tulane.
