Stockton students and employees are now required to get the COVID-19 booster shot in addition to the vaccine, the university announced via email on Wednesday morning. 

“To ensure that we can maintain the health and safety of our entire campus community, and provide the college experience our students expect and deserve, Stockton requires all students to receive their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots by Feb. 28 or when they are eligible for the booster,” wrote Zupenda Davis-Shine, Interim Vice President of Student Health and Wellness.

The announcement comes after dozens of other New Jersey state colleges have mandated the booster shot, many of which delayed the start of the semester or students’ return to campus.

“This decision was made after careful consideration and discussion with our peer institutions and state and local legal and health care professionals,” said Davis-Shine in the email. 

“As was stated in the email sent to all students, our goal is to ensure that students can have a complete college experience while also maintaining a safe and healthy campus for employees and students,” said Peter Baratta, co-chair of the University Resilience Operations Committee.

“The University Resilience Operations Committee (UROC), which was created in 2020 specifically to address the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to monitor the impact of the virus on employees, students and campus operations and make recommendations to achieve that goal.  One of the most effective methods is to remain up-to-date on vaccines. Vaccinated employees are also required to get the booster,” Baratta said.  

Students are eligible to receive the booster shot if it has been at least two months since completing the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, or at least five months since completing the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, per the CDC. 

For those who are unable to leave campus, AtlantiCare is offering vaccination clinics on the Galloway campus in West Quad 103. The full list of dates and times can be found on the Stockton website under Campus Operations FAQ. Other vaccination locations can be found on the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder website.