Boston University joins Northeastern, other schools: Will require students and staff to get Covid-19 booster shots

Boston University announced today it will require all students, professors, staff and other "affiliates" to show proof they've gotten a Covid-19 booster shot by Feb. 4.

In a campuswide e-mail, BU President Robert Brown wrote:

Many have asked what to expect when we return to campus in January, as there is growing concern about the impact of the Omicron variant of the virus. There are many unanswered questions about the transmissibility of this new variant, the effectiveness of vaccines in combatting this variant, and the severity of the illness caused by Omicron, if it is contracted. We are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation - using our knowledge and experience with the Delta variant as a baseline—as new information becomes available. And we will adjust our planning as needed.

Our judgment—based on the most current information and the advice of health professionals - continues to be that the best defense is vaccination. After consultation with our medical experts, I feel it is important to take advantage of the increased protection offered by the vaccine boosters and simultaneously protecting ourselves from waning immunity.

We will require all members of our community - students, faculty, staff, and affiliates - who are eligible (six months past completing their initial Moderna or Pfizer vaccination; two months past the Johnson & Johnson vaccination) to demonstrate that you have had the booster shot by February 4 (or as soon as your eligibility allows).

BU Covid-19 dashboard.