Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Dear CUNY student,
As we look forward to the Spring 2022 semester, which begins this Friday for most CUNY colleges, I wanted to take a moment to remind you that students enrolled in any in-person or hybrid class will be required to get the COVID-19 booster shot when they become eligible. Governor Hochul announced this policy recently knowing that the booster provides additional protection against the virus and its variants and that vaccines are the best weapon we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard our health and that of our community.
Here’s how the booster mandate will work:
If you are eligible for the booster on January 28: You must upload proof of receiving the additional shot to CUNYfirst no later than March 1. This deadline applies even if your college’s spring semester begins in March.
If you become eligible after January 28, but before the end of the semester: You will have 30 days after you become eligible to get the booster and upload proof to CUNYfirst.
You will become eligible for the booster:
- five months after the second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
- two months after the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The CDC recommends you choose the Pfizer or Moderna booster in most situations, regardless of which shot you received. Learn more about the booster shot and find a site near you here: ny.gov/booster.
Instructions on uploading your booster proof are available here. If you attended in-person or hybrid courses this past fall and already uploaded proof of your first vaccines, you will have to add the booster shot — unless you have an approved exception or exemption.
Students who miss the deadline will not be able to register for Summer 2022 or Fall 2022 classes.
Continue to stay updated on our COVID-19 guidelines by visiting our website: cuny.edu/coronavirus.
Knowing that I will be able to see so many of you in-person brings me great joy. Best of luck to you this semester!
Sincerely,
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Chancellor