Amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in Maryland, Johns Hopkins University announced that it will require faculty and students on U.S.-based campuses to get either the Pfizer or Moderna booster shot by Feb. 1.
The announcement comes as evidence continues to emerge that immunity to COVID wanes over time.
As the omicron variant spreads, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may consider redefining what it means to be “fully vaccinated” to include a third dose of the vaccine.
Universities around the country – from California to North Carolina – are mandating booster shots for faculty and students to return to campus next semester.
Many that have not announced the requirement are considering it or “strongly encourage” the booster.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore on Monday issued a letter reinstating a KN95 mask mandate for anyone indoors on campus and urged university community members to get a booster shot.
The Hopkins announcement was made via an email sent to the university community from Stephen Gange, professor and executive vice provost for academic affairs; Jon Links, professor, vice provost, and chief risk officer; and Kevin Shollenberger, vice provost for student health and well-being, and interim vice provost for student affairs.
Hopkins affiliates who are 100 percent remote, in addition to those who have medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine, are exempt from the booster requirement.
The university’s school of medicine will operate under the Johns Hopkins Health System vaccination policies.
Hopkins hopes that the booster requirement will help prevent disruptions to the university’s plan for an in-person spring semester, the email said.
