Spring 2022 Study Abroad – Important Updates, & Booster Requirement

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

The following message was sent to students who will attend Spring ’22 WFU-sponsored study abroad/away programs, as well as to their families.

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Dear Family and Friends of a Spring ’22 WFU/Abroad Program Student,

Please see the email below which was sent to your student today detailing important updates including information regarding the COVID booster requirement for spring study abroad.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Best,

Jessica Francis
Director of Global Abroad

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Dear Spring 22 study abroad students on WFU-sponsored programs,

With the semester coming to a close, we are writing with several important updates about your semester abroad, including a new requirement to receive a Covid vaccine booster shot. Please read the following items carefully:

Omicron Variant
Over the last several days, you have certainly 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 on-site teams. We are still running all of our programs as planned. If there are any changes resulting from emerging information, then those details will be promptly communicated.

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Requirement
In order to participate in WFU-sponsored study abroad programs in the spring 22 semester, you will be required to demonstrate proof of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination booster shot. In addition to this being the best way to protect your health, this decision also takes into account recent developments from overseas. 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 soon. 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 these 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 reply to this email immediately so that we can discuss your situation and eligibility for your program.

Your proof of a Covid vaccination booster must be submitted to Wake Forest by January 3rd at 11:59 PM EST. You must upload your documentation via the WFU Student Health Portal. Details on how to upload your vaccine information can be found here.

Flu Vaccination Requirement
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 about finalized entry requirements and arrival preparations for your various host countries. Please 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,

Jessica Francis
Director of Global Abroad Programs

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support.