Booster Shots Required for BSU Student Athletes
COVID-19 Test Required for Campus Return
January 12, 2022
All Bowie State University athletes returning for the Spring 2022 semester will be required to have the COVID-19 booster shot to be in compliance with recent NCAA guidance updating the definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters for those who are eligible. This safety measure aligns with the recent requirement of boosters for all BSU residential students to enhance protections for populations most at risk for getting the COVID-19 infection.
Athletes must provide proof of receiving the booster shot to the athletic trainer by Feb. 7, 2022. All residential students will still be required to follow university policy to receive the booster before returning to campus housing. Anyone failing to comply with the requirements will be prohibited to participate in team activities until they do so.
Individuals are eligible for boosters if they are more than two months after getting the single shot Johnson and Johnson; five months from the last Pfizer shot; and six months from the last Moderna shot. Vaccinated athletes who are not eligible for the booster are still considered fully vaccinated.
Athletes who have any questions about these new protocols should contact the athletic trainer or your coach.
Access to Booster Shots
Booster shots are available at most sites providing COVID-19 vaccination. You can find a location near you in Maryland at coronavirus.maryland.gov. For locations in other states visit https://www.vaccines.gov/
Due to limited supply, the BSU Wellness Center will suspend its regular vaccination hours the week of Jan. 18 to accommodate returning residential students as part of the move-in process. The center will resume Monday/Wednesday vaccine appointments the week of Jan. 24 by appointment through the Wellness Portal.
Testing Protocol for Campus Return
All staff, faculty and commuter students returning for the spring semester, regardless of vaccination status, must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of reporting for in-person duty or classes. Residential students will be tested at the time of move-in, Jan. 18 -21. The Office of Residence Life will provide move-in instructions to students.
- The Wellness Center offers PCR tests daily, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., except Fridays when PCR testing will end at 12 noon through January. Appointments should be made through the Wellness Portal.
- Tests may be taken through an external provider, but results must be uploaded to the portal before reporting to work on campus.
- Individuals should not come to campus for work or class until a negative PCR test result is reported to turn your badge green.
We want to remind everyone to pay attention to their BSU email, the COVID-19 Updates website and social media channels for the latest information. If you have questions you may also email covid19@bowiestate.edu. Questions about academic issues should be sent to covid19academics@bowiestate.edu.