Additional Guidance on Vaccine Eligibility

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

I am writing as a follow up to the message I shared Tuesday regarding New York State’s expansion of vaccine eligibility. We have secured further guidance from the state’s Department of Health related to those who may be newly eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning on Wednesday, March 17. The news is positive for our campus community.

Beginning March 17, all Syracuse University employees who are currently required to perform their job in person and on campus will be eligible for vaccination in the category of: “In-person College Faculty or Essential In-person Staff.” The guidance also extends eligibility to some student workers who have public-facing and in-person roles (i.e., residence hall advisors). At this time, employees who are working fully remotely do not yet qualify as eligible based on this new guidance.

For those Syracuse University employees eligible beginning March 17, please note the following:

• You can pursue a vaccination appointment by registering at either the Onondaga County (OnCenter) or New York State (Fairgrounds) vaccination sites.
• You are not eligible to pursue an appointment prior to March 17. Be advised that if you do register for an appointment prior to March 17, you may be turned away from the vaccination site.
• In addition to scheduling an appointment online, appointments can be scheduled by calling the state’s hotline at 1.833.697.4829.
• Employees will be required to show proof of eligible employment, and should bring with them their Syracuse University I.D., insurance card and a pay stub.

We remain in close contact with state, county and local officials and will share any additional updates related to this newly expanded eligibility. Please continue to visit Syracuse.edu/staysafe for the latest information about the University’s COVID-19 response.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation