NYFA COVID-19 Health and Campus Guidelines and Information - Updated: Aug 15, 2023, 5:00am Click here for more information

Notice

Complying With the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

July 2, 2021

Dear Continuing International Students,

This correspondence is designed to offer you follow-up guidance to the previous communication eblast you received regarding NYFA’s COVID -19 Vaccination Requirement for the 2021-2021 academic year. If you are presently studying remotely and have plans to return to campus, Fall 2021, please read carefully the information you have already received and the guidance presented below.

We hope this communication offers you clear information regarding your options and alleviates any fears you may have about not being eligible to participate in your NYFA program. 

Securing a COVID-19 Vaccine in Your Home Country

NYFA recommends that, if you are not yet vaccinated, to seek vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use and available to you in your home country or wherever you are living this summer. Your health and safety and the health and safety of your families and communities are our primary concern. It is very likely that the vaccines available to you, if they are not yet approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, will be soon. 

If the vaccine you have or will receive is not approved by the W.H.O./F.D.A by August 1, 2021, NYFA will consult with our public health consultant and provide you options at that time. Please know that once you are fully vaccinated by a vaccine approved for emergency use by the W.H.O, the F.D.A, or your country’s drug regulatory agency, you will be permitted to participate in all NYFA in-person classes and activities. Though, if the vaccine you were administered is not fully approved for emergency use by either the F.D.A. or the W.H.O by the time of the start of fall semester, you may be required to comply with health and safety protocols to safeguard against infection until the vaccine you received is authorized by the F.D.A. or W.H.O. for emergency use. 

Once you receive your final dose of the vaccine available in your home country or where you are living this summer, please upload a vaccination card, booklet or document to the Continuing Student Registration Form.

Securing the COVID-19 Vaccine in the US

If you cannot access an approved COVID-19 vaccine in your home country or wherever you are presently living, you may meet the NYFA COVID-19 Vaccination requirement by arriving early to the US and receiving the single dose, F.D.A. and W.H.O approved Johnson and Johnson vaccine

Securing the J & J vaccine in the US is easy and available to anyone who is 18 years old and older, living in NY or CA. The vaccine is offered at no cost.

To remain compliant with the terms of your student visa and I-20 and to reach full vaccination status before Day One of Orientation Week (long-term students) or Orientation Day (short-term students), and if you are age 18 or older, please follow the instructions below:
  • Consult with the International Student Office to confirm the earliest day you can arrive to your campus region. Depending on the program start date noted on your I-20, this date may be July 31 (for an Aug 30 start date). Plan to arrive to the US no earlier than the date confirmed by the International Student Office and no later than August 14, 2021.
  • Self-quarantine for 10 days following the day you arrive to the US.
  • Click here to find a vaccination site convenient to where you live, offering the J & J vaccine.
  • If needed, make the earliest appointment possible for the vaccine. Many sites, however, offer walk-in vaccinations. You can leave your residence to seek a vaccination without violating the self-quarantine period, but please wear a mask and maintain a 6 ft./ 2 m. distance from others. 
  • Bring with you to the vaccination site proof of age (passport) and proof of residence (confirmation of Airbnb reservation, rental/housing agreement, utility bill, etc). You are likely to need proof of age. You are not likely to need proof of residence, but this is advised as a precautionary measure.
  • Make sure you are administered your single dose J & J vaccine on or before August 15, 2021. 
  • You will be provided a CDC Vaccination Card for safe keeping. Upload a photo/PDF/copy of your CDC Vaccination Card to the Continuing Students Registration Form.
Submitting Notification of Inability to Comply with the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

If achieving full vaccination status in your home country or if arriving early to the US and securing a J&J vaccine is not an option for you, please complete the Notification of Inability to Comply with the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Google Form on or before July 15, 2021.

We hope this information alleviates your fears and concerns. Should you have additional questions or need assistance, please send an email to your COVID-19 Team Administrator.We look forward to welcoming you to NYFA this Fall.

NYFA COVID-19 Response Team

 

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