Faculty and staff vaccination requirement questions and answers

Why is Brandeis requiring faculty, staff, and affiliates who access campus to be vaccinated for the fall semester?
It is vital that as many people as possible are vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect vulnerable members of our community, including colleagues and loved ones who may be unable to be vaccinated or may be immunocompromised. Our entire community is safer when more people are vaccinated and having as many community members vaccinated will allow us to fulfill the mission of our institution more fully. Many colleges and universities, as well as other employers, are requiring that employees be vaccinated, based on guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Which vaccines will Brandeis accept?
Brandeis will accept all vaccines that have received either Emergency Use Authorization or final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as those vaccines with an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization.

How do I apply for a medical or religious exemption?
Medical or religious exemptions must be submitted via the Campus Passport by Aug. 6.

I have a philosophical objection to the vaccine. May I apply for an exemption?
Brandeis will not grant exemptions to this policy for philosophical reasons. To receive an exemption, you must share proof that a medical condition prevents you from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, or demonstrate a sincerely-held religious objection to the vaccine.

If I cannot or do not want to receive the vaccine, may I instead work remotely?
No. As Brandeis scales up on-campus operations in the coming months, almost all employees with very few exceptions will be expected to return to campus on at least a limited basis. As a result, all Brandeis employees who need to access campus to perform their jobs are required to be fully vaccinated, unless they receive a medical or religious exemption.

What will happen to my vaccination record?
All vaccination information will be stored on a secured server separate from other personnel files; only authorized personnel will have access to these records on a limited basis for required business purposes.

What if I decline to get vaccinated or share my proof of vaccination?
As of August 26, staff or faculty without approved exemptions who have not uploaded proof of their vaccinated status will not be allowed to access campus. Employees who need to access campus in order to perform their job duties will not be able to do so and may be removed from their positions.

Who can I go to with questions about the requirement not answered here?
Please contact Jaclyn Kubisak, Occupational Health Specialist,  or Liz Tierney, Director of Labor and Employee relations, for questions regarding the vaccination requirement. If you require assistance using the Campus Passport or uploading your vaccination record, please contact the COVID-19 Testing Group.

What is Brandeis doing about vendors whose employees come to campus?
Brandeis is currently working with our vendors to ensure they will adhere to our safety protocols.