Vaccinated Students Encouraged to Get Booster

Dec. 21, 2021
 
SARANAC LAKE -- One of our successes as a college this fall was that so many of our students did an incredible job of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which allowed for a safe return to campus life and learning.
 
Now, the college is encouraging any students who will be on campus for the Spring 2022 semester to get boosted, if they haven’t already, to keep the college community as safe as possible.
 
Why now? Currently available data suggests that immunity against COVID-19 goes down over time, and a booster shot can help your body maintain a higher level of immunity and protection against breakthrough COVID-19 infections. This is additionally important because the Delta variant is more contagious than previous strains of the virus. In addition, preliminary studies show that a booster provides extra protection against the emerging Omicron variant.
 
Who is eligible for a booster? Booster shots are recommended for people aged 16 and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago or who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines at least six months ago. Additional doses of vaccine are also recommended for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised because these individuals are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
 
How can I get a booster? You can find a vaccination site by visiting your county health department website, www.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov, or www.vaccines.gov. Many area pharmacies are also scheduling booster shot appointments.
 
Do I need to show the college proof of a booster shot? No. The college is encouraging, not requiring, booster shots. However, you may voluntarily provide proof of a booster shot to healthrecords@nccc.edu.
 
Still have questions? Visit the CDC website for more information on booster shot eligibility and the data supporting the need for booster shots.