Washoe News

Sierra Nevada University recently issued the following announcement.

On November 1, 2021, Sierra Nevada University will open registration for the Spring 2022 semester and other sessions. In order to enroll, all undergraduate and graduate students (including TED, MFA-CW, and MFA-IA) who are registering for any session beginning on or after November 1, 2021 must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.*

In August, the Nevada State Board of Public Health voted to require the COVID-19 vaccine for all students attending institutions of higher education in the State of Nevada. Sierra Nevada University is complying with this directive.

Vaccination Requirements

All undergraduate and graduate students who plan on enrolling for the Spring 2022 semester, or any sessions beginning on or after November 1, are required to provide documentation of a completed vaccination series against COVID-19 before enrolling. This means you must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine before you can enroll in classes on or after the Nov. 1st registration date.

As a reminder, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. For Pfizer, individuals must wait 21 days after the first dose for the second dose to be administered. For Moderna, individuals must wait 28 days for the second dose.

You can take advantage of several options that are available to you in order to receive your vaccinations, including:

• At the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at SNU Healthy Balance Day on Monday morning, October 11. This clinic is being administered by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District for the benefit of SNU faculty, staff, and students. Register with NLTFPD – preregistration is recommended. The vaccine will be the Moderna vaccine.
• Make a vaccine appointment with the Washoe County Health District. We have been told that individuals may select the vaccine of their choice upon arrival, subject to supplies.
• Text your zip code to 438829 to get up to three locations near you with vaccines in stock.
• Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Locator from Immunize Nevada.

Vaccination Documentation

All undergraduate and graduate students who plan to enroll in classes on or after November 1 for any session must send proof of their vaccination to healthy@sierranevada.edu or upload it to the Proof of COVID Vaccination form. Please send or upload your document by October 25 to ensure we have sufficient processing time so that you may begin enrolling in classes on November 1.

Exemptions

As with all required immunizations, there are limited exceptions for medical or religious reasons. There is no exception for proof of antibodies to COVID-19. Exemption forms are available from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public and Behavioral Health at the links provided below. These are the only forms that can be used.

*Students enrolled in the 100% online Global Business Management BSBA, 100% online Psychology BA, and 100% online M.Ed. in English Language Acquisition and Development (ELAD) degree programs are exempt from the Nevada State Board of Public Health COVID-19 vaccination mandate because these programs are 100% online with no face-to-face components.

Religious exemptions

If the administration of immunizing agents is against your religious tenets or practices and you have a sincere religious belief, you can fill out the religious exemption form. A Spanish version is also available. Religious exemptions will need to be renewed on an annual basis. Religious exemption forms must be submitted to healthy@sierranevada.edu.

Medical exemptions

Completed medical exemption applications will be evaluated and, if approved, enrollment on or after November 1 will be allowed. Section 2 of the medical exemption form must be completed and signed by a licensed Healthcare Provider – an MD, DO, or APRN. A Spanish version is also available. Medical exemption forms must be submitted to humanresource@sierranevada.edu.

Students who are exempt from receiving the COVID vaccine for medical or religious reasons may be subject to regular testing for COVID-19.

Original source can be found here.