Please see the below message sent to students, parents, faculty, and staff from the MBU Pandemic Team outlining the university’s new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Dear Mary Baldwin family:
After an extraordinary 2020-21 academic year, the Pandemic Team has turned its focus to preparations for the new academic year starting this fall, with the safety of students, faculty, and staff our highest priority.
One of the first critical policy decisions for the fall is that all students 12 and older* attending classes on the Staunton or Fishersville campuses and all faculty and staff will be required to get a COVID-19 vaccination before returning to campus. (*On May 24, MBU amended this policy from 16 and older to include students 12 and older, per CDC guidance.)
Since its rollout, the vaccine has been proven safe and effective at protecting against the deadly and highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Further, it is now widely available throughout the country at no cost.
A fully vaccinated campus community provides the greatest chance of returning to more normal operations and delivering the richest possible student experience while ensuring the safety of the entire MBU family. While masking and distancing will continue to be necessary to some degree, an immunized population will provide greater flexibility for those measures. In addition to your personal protection from the virus, other benefits of the vaccine policy are likely to include:
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- Significantly reduced need for testing
- Significantly reduced need for quarantining and isolating
- Fewer overall disruptions to campus operations and academic instruction
- The ability to host and attend more in-person events, meetings, and social gatherings
- Increased capacity in campus facilities such as classrooms, computer labs, and the Center for Student Success
- The ability to dine in dining facilities
- Fewer restrictions on athletic practices and competitions
For these reasons and more, MBU is joining the considerable ranks of colleges and universities across that country that are requiring COVID vaccines for fall 2021.
Medical and religious exemptions from this policy will be available for those who qualify – please read FAQ’s below for details.
While the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven safe and effective, we understand that some may still have lingering questions about its safety and/or efficacy. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider. We also encourage you to consult the below resources for the latest credible information about the vaccine.
In the coming weeks, we will update you on the process for reporting your vaccination status to the university so that you will be cleared to return for the fall. We will also share additional details on what you can expect in terms of campus operations and safety measures for the 2021-22 academic year. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to seek a vaccine at your earliest opportunity – see FAQ’s below for details on how you can find a vaccine near you.
We are optimistic about the coming year and are proud to take this step that prioritizes the health of our community while contributing to our nation’s recovery. We look forward to welcoming you back for an exciting and safe fall semester.
The MBU Pandemic Team
Resources
MBU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Statement
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I get a vaccine?
In Virginia:
- Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov for the latest vaccine scheduling information from the Virginia Department of Health.
- Seek an appointment from a pharmacy provider. Visit vaccinefinder.org to see area providers.
In Staunton/Augusta County, in addition to the above steps:
- Check the Augusta Health vaccination page daily for available clinic appointments.
- Check the Central Shenandoah Health District page daily for clinic schedules and appointment availability.
Outside Virginia:
- Consult this state-by-state vaccine guide to determine the status of vaccines in your location and plan your vaccine.
- Seek an appointment from a pharmacy provider. Visit vaccinefinder.org to see area providers.
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What are the criteria for a medical exemption and how do I apply for one?
Medical exemptions/accommodations from the vaccine policy require a written certification from a licensed medical provider (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) of one of the following:
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History of previous allergic reaction to indicate an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to a component of the vaccine.
- A physical condition or the person or medical circumstances relating to the person are such that immunization is not considered safe.
Students, faculty, and staff should submit their written certification to the Chief Health Officer at dgreubel@marybaldwin.edu.
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History of previous allergic reaction to indicate an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to a component of the vaccine.
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What are the criteria for a religious exemption and how do I apply for one?
MBU provides for a religious exemption to the required immunization if the individual objects on the grounds that the administration of the vaccine conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Students – The student or their parent or guardian may submit a notarized Certificate of Religious Exemption to the Student Health Clinic. The Certificate of Religious Exemption is an affidavit stating that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with the student’s religious tenets or practices.
Faculty/Staff – Individuals may submit a notarized Certificate of Religious Exemption to the Chief Health Officer at dgreubel@marybaldwin.edu. The Certificate of Religious Exemption is an affidavit stating that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with the individual’s religious tenets or practices.
The Certificate of Religious Exemption form is available for download: Student form, Faculty and Staff form.
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How do I report my vaccination status to MBU?
MBU will provide these instructions in the coming weeks. Please do not email your status to anyone at this time.
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What are my options to continue my studies if I choose not to be vaccinated and do not have a medical or religious exemption?
Students who choose not to be immunized and are not subject to a medical or religious exemption will have the opportunity to continue their studies at MBU remotely from home, though these plans are still being finalized. They will not be allowed to live on campus or participate in in-person campus activities.
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What if I didn’t get a vaccine before move-in or the start of classes?
Everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated before coming to campus. MBU will offer immunizations on campus in the fall for those who return without proof of immunization. Individuals will not be allowed to remain on campus if they do not get immunized or do not have a medical or religious exemption on file.
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I am an MBU Online undergraduate or graduate student who occasionally visits campus. Am I required to be vaccinated to come to campus?
Any student who plans to spend time on the Staunton or Fishersville campuses must provide proof of immunization to the Student Health Center or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file. This includes MBU Online students who occasionally visit campus.