Spring 2022 Study Abroad – Important Updates & Booster Recommendation (Affiliates)

Dear Spring 22 study abroad students on Affiliate (non-WFU) programs,

With the semester coming to a close, we are writing with several important updates about your semester abroad. Please read the following items carefully:

Omicron Variant
Over the last week, you have undoubtedly read reports about the recently identified Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Wake Forest is closely monitoring the situation, seeking the input of public health officials (both locally and abroad), and staying in contact with our Affiliate partners. Affiliate programs will remain in direct contact with you and will communicate any changes resulting from emerging information. To date, we know that Affiliate programs plan to operate as scheduled for the Spring 22 semester.

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster – Strongly Recommended & Required in Some Cases
All students studying with Affiliate study abroad programs are strongly encouraged to receive a Covid booster shot prior to going abroad. In some cases, we are already aware of Affiliate programs making this a requirement, as we have done for our Wake Forest-sponsored study abroad programs. Not only are boosters the best way to protect your health, but they are also a critical factor in your ability to have a successful semester abroad. For example, over the last few weeks, we have seen more and more countries moving in the direction of placing an end-date on when they consider a person to have fully vaccinated status. For instance, Italy has already announced that individuals will no longer be considered “fully vaccinated” 12 months after the completion of the first vaccination series. Similarly, Austria has announced a policy of 9 months past the initial vaccination series. Other countries are expected to take a similar approach. Individuals without boosters and who no longer qualify as “fully vaccinated” as defined by each country will have limited access to public and private venues (e.g. museums and hotels), be required to test regularly, be unable to travel across borders, etc. In other words, without the booster shot, students will not be able to take part in many of the academic and cultural activities that are fundamental to study abroad programs. It is also worth noting that the CDC has recently authorized Pfizer and Moderna boosters for all adults.

• If you are eligible for a booster (i.e. at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Moderna/Pfizer or at least 2 months after your Johnson & Johnson shot), then speak with your healthcare provider and make plans now to take care of this important step as soon as possible. Boosters must be recorded on your white CDC vaccination card.

• If, prior to departing for your abroad program, you are not eligible for a Covid booster shot (based on the timeframe outlined above), then contact your Affiliate program provider to seek their guidance and advice.

Flu Vaccination Requirement Reminder
Before the start of the spring 2022 semester, all students are also required to submit proof of a flu vaccination (or request a religious or medical exemption).

• Students who are currently on the Reynolda Campus during the Fall 21 semester must submit proof of their flu vaccination via the Student Health Portal by December 15.

• Students who are currently abroad during the Fall 21 semester may take their flu shot when they return home and upload proof afterwards. For the handful of students who fall into this category, they should follow the adjusted flu vaccination deadline that has been communicated in prior direct messages.

Thank you for making it through this message. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, then reach out to us by phone at 336.758.5938, by email at studyabroad@wfu.edu or in-person by stopping by our office in 116 Reynolda Hall.

Lastly, please continue to check your email regularly throughout the winter break for important instructions and updates (from both WFU and your Affiliate programs) regarding finalized entry requirements and arrival preparations for your various host countries. Please also share this email with your family and support system.

Good luck with your upcoming exams and all the best for the remainder of your fall semester!

Sincerely,

Dean Taylor

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