#LehmanGetstheVax
Students Visiting Campus Must Show Proof of Vaccination; Staff, Faculty Must Submit Vaccine Proof or Negative Test
STUDENTS
As of October 7, 2021, only fully vaccinated students or students with approved medical exemptions or religious exceptions and a negative COVID test taken at a CUNY testing site within seven days are able to enter CUNY facilities. Unvaccinated students may still access emergency services if they present a negative test taken at a CUNY testing site within the last week.
Students taking in-person or hybrid courses in Fall ’22 must be fully vaccinated by August 15.
Students who have chosen not to follow CUNY's vaccine policy will be withdrawn from their Fall '22 fully in-person classes by August 31. You must upload proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to the in-person class to avoid being withdrawn.
Fully vaccinated? Upload proof of vaccination in CUNYfirst ASAP for easy access to campus.
Only taking online courses? No need to show proof of vaccination or enroll in weekly testing since you won’t be physically present on campus.
STAFF & FACULTY
All employees can upload proof of vaccination by signing in to CUNYfirst and clicking on the Vaccine Verification link. To complete your vaccination information, you will need the date of your second shot for Pfizer and Moderna or the date of your single shot for Johnson & Johnson; a scan or photograph of your CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card (or an equivalent document if you received your vaccination outside the U.S.), and, if you have the NY State Excelsior Pass app, a scan or photograph of your pass on your mobile device.
If you are not fully vaccinated or do not wish to disclose your status, you will be able to opt out of testing if you have an approved request for a fully remote accommodation. Approved or pending requests need to be indicated on the Vaccine Information Page in CUNYfirst and will be verified by campus Human Resources offices after they are submitted.
For a visual guide to submitting information to CUNYfirst, please visit here. For general information on getting back to working in person, please refer to this FAQ. If you still have questions, please consult your HR office. If you have a technical problem, please contact your campus or office help desk for assistance.
Send Us Your Selfies!
Lehman’s Best Answer Your Vax Questions
In this Lehman College discussion and Q&A, we answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and put common myths to rest. The expert panel includes Sandra Lindsay '10, a nurse, Lehman alumna, and the first person in the U.S. to take the COVID-19 vaccine in a non-trial setting.
More Vaccine Facts
We know you have questions about everything from the science behind the vaccine to the logistics of getting it. Northwell Health, New York State's largest healthcare provider, offers these and other helpful answers. Visit their website for more info. New Yorkers can call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829) with any questions.
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Because there is currently no cure for COVID-19, prevention is our best strategy. The development of COVID-19 vaccines is an important step in helping minimize the effects of this potentially deadly virus. Vaccines work by training your immune system to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. By triggering an immune system response to a virus through a vaccine, your body is better equipped to destroy these disease-causing microbes in the future should you be exposed to COVID-19.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective?
Yes. The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, including vaccines. Learn more about the rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place to facilitate the development and ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the COVID-19 vaccines.
How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly?
Scientists began work on the COVID-19 vaccine in January 2020. Dedicated vaccine funding helped move vaccine candidates through the pre-clinical/clinical assessments and trials both quickly and thoughtfully. This has enabled researchers to advance into phase 3 clinical trials (testing the vaccine on large groups of people to evaluate safety and effectiveness) in six months instead of the typical two years. The vaccine was mass-produced before the clinical studies were complete to save time.
Can various types of COVID-19 vaccines be given to the same person?
No. If you start with one manufacturer, you’ll receive the same manufacturer for the second shot.
Will I get to choose which vaccine I receive?
Because of limited supply and complex logistics, medical professionals will determine the vaccine being administered. The CDC generally advises that you take the vaccine available to you as long as it has been issued EUA or approved by the FDA.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause any side effects?
Side effects are a normal sign that your body is building protection. Some people may experience more symptoms with the COVID-19 vaccine compared to other vaccinations, such as the flu shot. The second or booster dose can produce symptoms more severe than experienced with the first dose. The most common side effect is muscle soreness or aching in the arm, which will resolve without treatment. Other common side effects after vaccination may include:
- Swelling or redness where the vaccine was administered
- Muscle and joint achiness elsewhere
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
These side effects are expected, not serious, and will resolve with time. If you are experiencing symptoms more serious than those described or fever continues for more than two days, contact your doctor or seek care at the nearest emergency department. Make sure you notify the vaccine administrator of these symptoms prior to your second vaccine shot.
Can the vaccine cause COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the U.S., including the BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, DO NOT use the live virus that causes COVID-19. After receiving the vaccine, you may experience symptoms such as arm pain, low-grade fever, chills, or fatigue. This is normal, and symptoms will resolve without treatment.
How long will my COVID-19 immunity last after vaccination?
It is unknown at this time how long immunity will last; ongoing studies will help determine if repeat vaccination is needed and, if it is, how often we may need a booster. Therefore, after vaccination, you will still need to wear a mask and social distance until further notice. Factors such as how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities will help determine when we may be able to stop taking these extra precautions.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for women who are pregnant?
Studies have not yet been done to determine if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for a pregnant woman or her fetus. However, the vaccine is thought to be unlikely to pose a risk, according to experts from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the CDC and the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). That’s because the vaccine does not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so it cannot give someone COVID-19, and the vaccine does not interact with or alter human DNA in the recipient.
If I had COVID-19 antibodies or recovered from COVID-19, can I get a vaccination?
Yes. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve had the virus. Please note, if you’ve had COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy or COVID-19 convalescent plasma, you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until at least 91 days following treatment.