Penn State College of Medicine Pandemic Response provides COVID-19 vaccination mandate update

From left, Dr. Leslie Parent, vice dean for research and graduate studies; Dr. Terry Wolpaw, vice dean of educational affairs; Dr. Charles Lang, associate dean for graduate studies; and Dr. Neal Thomas, associate dean for clinical research.

Vaccine Mandate Update

We recognize that there has been a preliminary injunction filed against the federal contractor mandate. Our approach is currently being reviewed by the University. For now, the vaccine mandate requirement for the College of Medicine still exists for individuals to be vaccinated by Tuesday, Jan. 4 or request an accommodation. This mandate applies to employees, part-time (wage) students, graduate students supported on stipends as well as students supported on graduate assistantships must be fully vaccinated or have applied for an accommodation by Tuesday, Jan. 4. Given the upcoming December break in which all operations of Penn State will be closed from Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, accommodations should be filed by Monday, Dec. 13 to ensure receipt and a final decision before the break. For more information, please visit the College of Medicine vaccine mandate section of the website or the University’s website dedicated to the vaccine mandate.

Unvaccinated MD and PA Students

A message went out this week to any unvaccinated MD and PA students to make sure they were aware what may be required of students at other clinical facilities where they may offer patient care-related settings (clinical rotations, navigator programs, etc.). Each health care organization has the choice to require COVID-19 vaccinations and not to accept accommodations. We are strongly advising any unvaccinated student to be vaccinated to avoid disrupting their educational experience.

Reminder: Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Dr. Cindy Whitener, division chief of infectious diseases and epidemiology, reminds all students and staff to get your vaccinations and booster shots, mask up, use good hand hygiene, maintain social distancing and avoid crowds. Taking these steps can help keep you, your family and your colleagues safe and healthy.

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