COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Policy Associated Form(s)

Policy

Name:

COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Policy

Associated

Form(s):

Vaccination and Exemption Forms:

1. Student Form

2. Employees Mav Health and

Wellness Portal.

Policy

Number:

2023-6

Reviewed:

1. COVID Task Force

2. Non-Academic Policy Review

Committee

Approved:

April 19, 2023

Approval

Authority:

President

Adopted:

April 19, 2023

Responsible

Executive(s):

1. Vice President of Student Affairs

2. Vice President of Finance

Revised:

June 2021, September

2021, October 2021,

January 2022, April 2022,

August 2022, September

2022, February 2023

Responsible

Office(s):

1. Office of Student Affairs

2. Office of ACCESSibility

3. Student Health Office

4. Office of Human Resources

Contact(s):

1. Associate Dean of

Student Affairs

2. Director of

ACCESSibility

3. Director of Health and

Wellness

4. Associate Director of

Human Resources

I. Vaccine and Booster Policy

COVID-19 continues to be a dangerous respiratory disease. Nevertheless, based on the U.S

Department of Health and Human Services decision to end the COVID-19 federal health

emergency on May 11, 2023, Mercy University is no longer requiring proof of the COVID-19

vaccine or booster effective May 11, 2023, except in the following circumstances:

• All students in clinical programs in the School of Health and Natural Sciences and the

School of Nursing are required to show proof of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and

booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.

• All faculty and staff whose job functions relate to work in clinical settings in the School of

Health and Natural Sciences and School of Nursing are required to show proof of the

recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.

• Students in other experiential programs may be required to show proof of the COVID-19

vaccine and/or booster by the external site.

Contractors, vendors and visitors, including those who regularly come to Mercy campuses, are

also no longer required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

Nonetheless, the University strongly urges all community members to remain up-to-date

with the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Please see CDC Guidelines for vaccine eligibility.

The University reserves the right to make any changes to this Policy as it deems necessary to

ensure the health and safety of the University community.

II. Vaccine and Booster Exemptions

Those students and employees who are still required to provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccine

and booster have the right to seek an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine under the following

circumstances:

1) Due to an allergy or medical contraindication to receiving the vaccine. They must

provide the exemption form and physician’s statement (see below); or

2) Due to a sincerely held spiritual or religious belief, practice, or observance. They must

provide a statement.

Note, however, that while the University may grant an exemption, the off-campus clinical site

may not provide such exemption. The University will not be responsible for finding a clinical

site that will accept an employee or student who is not vaccinated and boosted.

III. Face Masks

Currently, masks are not required in Mercy University facilities except in the following

circumstances:

• Faculty, staff and students in certain programs, such as in the health sciences and

nursing, shall be required to wear masks at the discretion of the program and faculty

where health and safety dictates, or may be required at an off-campus facility.

• Anyone who is required pursuant to current guidelines relating to those who tested

positive for, or have been exposed to, COVID-19 must wear a mask pursuant to

those guidelines.

• Please refer to CDC guidelines regarding masking for more information.

IV. Non-Retaliation and Respect for Community Members

Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 protects employees from

retaliation in the workplace, particularly as it pertains to complaints that may arise regarding the

health and safety of the environment. Confidential complaints can be made at any time pursuant

to the University’s Whistleblower Policy.

In addition, given the severity of COVID-19 and the continued uncertainty surrounding the

pandemic, all members of the Mercy University community shall respect any and all individuals

who wear a mask, regardless of whether they may or may not be vaccinated.

V. COVID-19 Vaccination Status Privacy Notice

Mercy University is committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent

about what information is held and how it is used. We understand your concerns about privacy and

assure you that we take privacy matters seriously. Please see Mercy’s COVID-19 Privacy Policy

Statement in which the University explains how your personally identifiable information is

collected and used as it relates to proof of the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide

will be used only as outlined in that Policy Statement. If you have questions regarding this Privacy

Notice, you may direct them to [email protected].