Why are Gallaudet University and the Clerc Center requiring the COVID-19 vaccine?Gallaudet and the Clerc Center, in following overwhelming scientific evidence, believe that mandatory vaccination is the best way to protect all community members’ – and our collective – health and safety, and to provide the most enriching and effective learning and working environments. We are requiring vaccination for COVID-19 in the same way and for […]
By when am I required to be vaccinated?Your last dose of the vaccination must be at least two weeks prior to appearing on campus. For Clerc Center employees appearing on campus beginning August 16, you must receive your final dose on or before August 2. For Clerc Center students scheduled to appear on campus beginning September 7, you must receive your final […]
Why are Clerc Center students who are under 18 not required to be vaccinated when there is an FDA authorized vaccine for 12-17 year olds?Currently the Clerc Center is strongly encouraging – but not requiring – vaccination for eligible students who are under 18 years old. Presently there is a single FDA authorized vaccine (Pfizer) for 12-17 year olds, while there are multiple authorized vaccines for those 18 and older. We want to ensure that families have a choice […]
What if a Clerc Center student becomes 18 years old during the school year?Clerc Center students turning 18 after August 24 will have 45 days following their 18th birthday to become fully vaccinated. After 45 days, the full requirement applies.
What about new employees?Employees who begin working at Gallaudet or the Clerc Center after August 24 will have 45 days following their start date to become fully vaccinated. After 45 days, the full requirement applies.
Is it legal to require COVID-19 vaccines that are approved by the FDA under emergency use authorization?Yes. This requirement is consistent with all applicable laws and regulations. Gallaudet and the Clerc Center will offer appropriate medical and religious exemptions to this policy as required by law. More information about requesting an exemption is in the ‘Exemption’ section below.
What do I do if I am allergic to an ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine?If you are allergic to an ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, contact your healthcare provider to discuss options and understand if a different vaccine may be available to you. If you are unable to receive any COVID-19 vaccine, you may apply for a medical exemption.
What if I don’t want to take the vaccine?Exemptions to this policy will be granted solely for approved medical and religious reasons. All others must comply with the requirement to learn, live, or work on our campus.
How will this policy be enforced?Similar to requirements for other vaccines, Gallaudet and the Clerc Center will monitor which individuals have not submitted documentation of vaccination or received a medical or religious exemption. Please ensure that you submit documentation of your vaccination as described in the ‘Submitting Proof of Vaccination’ section below.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?Individuals who violate this policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary action, which may include termination or expulsion.