CSU issues COVID-19 booster requirement

A message from CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 22^nd, 2021

President Lynnette Zelezny sent the following message to California State University, Bakersfield students, faculty and staff regarding the new COVID-19 booster requirement.

Dear CSUB Family,

Today California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro announced a revised systemwide COVID vaccination policy addressing booster requirements. Please review the policy here.

“Vaccination, including a booster when eligible, remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease,” Chancellor Castro said. “This is particularly important in light of the rapid rise of cases of COVID-19 throughout the state and nation as the Omicron variant spreads. Implementing the booster requirement now will help mitigate the potential spread of the variant on campuses as they repopulate in January after the winter break.”

The revised policy requires COVID boosters for students and non-represented staff, with a grace period until Feb. 28, 2022 (or six months after an individual received the final dose of the original vaccination, whichever is later). Simultaneously, systemwide consultation on boosters will commence with unionized faculty and staff.

Exemptions, both religious and medical, will continue to be accepted with required weekly testing. Administrative exemptions will also continue to be accepted, provided individuals do not access any on-campus facilities or programs.

We encourage our `Runner community to continue to be vigilant on health and safety, and to get a booster during the holiday, if eligible.

CSUB is here to support you. Free vaccinations, including boosters, are available on our main CSUB campus every Wednesday, beginning Jan. 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Albertson Room inside the Dore Theater, thanks to our Kern Family Health Care partners. In addition, there are many other locations throughout our communities offering free vaccines. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule your appointment.