Vaccinations are reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping us to return to operating conditions that no longer require masks, physical distancing and gathering protocols, particularly for fully vaccinated people. For that we are thankful. We encourage students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated before returning to campus this fall.

We respect the decision not to get vaccinated due to medical, religious or philosophical reasons. People have different perspectives and situations. We believe that each individual should consult with their medical professional to weigh the risks and benefits of the decision they make. We will honor those decisions.

The college abides by the PA Department of Health regulations for educational institutions, observes higher education protocols provided by the CDC and follows guidelines for athletic participation issued by the NCAA. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has not yet published its protocols for higher education for this fall. When they have been released, we will let you know.

Under current conditions we know that people who are not vaccinated who are exposed will need to quarantine. People who are vaccinated and exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine unless they have symptoms.

We understand there are benefits and some risks regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage students to take these into account.

We recommend that you consult with your doctor regarding any questions or concerns you have regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations.

Our goal is to provide a safe educational environment for our college community that allows the greatest freedom of movement and association without masks and distancing for all community members – those who are vaccinated or not vaccinated – to the fullest extent possible.

As we hear and know more, we will share additional information with you.

We appreciate your taking the time to upload your vaccination information this summer before you head back to campus. As our way of saying thank you for uploading your vaccination materials to PyraMed, we will provide you with a gift card. You may choose one of the following:

• $15 Flex Dollars ($10 from Geneva; $5 from Pioneer)
• $10 Sheetz Gift Card
• $10 BFCAT Gift Card

Upload the information at any time – even now – just as long as it's before you return to campus this fall. As always, PyraMed student records are confidential.

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after either:

• Receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines
• Receiving your singe-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson

Full vaccination provides the best protection against COVID-19 infection and transmission.

The medical community does not identify post-COVID immunity with the same protections as vaccinated individuals.

Vaccinations are readily available. The locator below can help you to find the specific type of vaccination you may be interested in near you.