Update on Syracuse University Employee Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine

Dear Faculty and Staff:

We are writing to share important information related to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and access. Under current New York State guidelines, most all Syracuse University employees (who live and work in New York State) are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes all faculty and staff working in-person on campus, as well as those working remotely because they are not vaccinated but who plan to return to work in-person once vaccinated.

Additionally, both the Onondaga County and New York State Fairgrounds COVID vaccination sites report having available appointments for eligible individuals. The county and state websites update regularly so please check often until you can confirm an appointment.

We strongly encourage any Syracuse University employee who intends to be vaccinated to make an appointment as soon as possible. Like the flu and other communicable diseases, vaccination is the best protection against the spread of COVID-19. A widely vaccinated community safeguards the health, wellness and safety of our students, faculty and staff, and helps the University return to more normal operations.

Vaccination Instructions and Next Steps

Please follow these simple steps to coordinate your COVID vaccine:

• Make an appointment: Visit the New York State COVID-19 vaccine website or the Onondaga County COVID-19 vaccine website to identify an available time that works for you.
• Complete the two forms provided in your confirmation email: After you schedule your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain links to two forms: 1) a screening and consent form that will need to be printed and completed and 2) a form attesting to your eligibility status. The attestation form will provide a “Submission ID,” which you can show on your phone when you arrive at the vaccine clinic.
• Provide proof of eligibility upon arrival: Please bring with you proof of employment, such as your SU I.D. card and paystub. You should also bring with you your driver’s license or government-issued identification card.
• Bring your insurance card: You will be asked for insurance information, but the vaccine is free and there will never be a charge to you. This information is for administrative use only. You do not need to have insurance to get the vaccine.

Please note: the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines both require a second dose, which will be scheduled during your appointment for the first dose. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.

In addition, we strongly encourage you to closely review all other eligibility categories for your family and dependents who may currently qualify for the vaccine.

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to our community’s health and wish you well as you pursue your COVID-19 vaccination.

Sincerely,

Syracuse University Public Health Team