Dear Students,
Last week, Governor Baker announced that all fully vaccinated people aged 18 and over who live, work or study in Massachusetts are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot effective immediately if:
- You received your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or a two-dose vaccine that is listed by the World Health Organization at least six months ago (before May 23, 2021), or
- You received the single-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago (before Sept. 23, 2021).
As you many of you prepare to return home for the Thanksgiving break, please consider taking the time over the break to get your booster shot to enhance your protection against COVID-19 before the final stretch to the end of the semester (and if you haven’t gotten your flu shot, please do so). Vaccines continue to be effective in preventing most severe cases of COVID-19, and a booster shot can help to increase your immune system’s efficacy against the virus. The Health Center is working to provide another on-campus vaccination clinic after the Thanksgiving break, but we nevertheless recommend getting the booster during break if you’re able.
Booster shots are available at many local pharmacies. If you will be in Massachusetts during the break, you can find a booster shot using the state’s vaccination finder webpage. As a reminder, all COVID-19 vaccines are free, though you may be asked for your health insurance card. COVID-19 boosters may now be mixed and matched, meaning you are not required to get the same vaccine as your original vaccination series. Once you receive your booster, you should record it in your student health record in the Bentley Health Portal.
We hope that you enjoy your time away from the classroom, and hope that you consider getting your booster shot before returning to campus for your benefit and for the benefit of your peers.
Geoffrey C. Bartlett, CEM
Director, Emergency Management
Julia Matthews, MSN, MPH
Director, Health Center