Vaccine/Testing Information
Vaccine
Review this visual guide for students and employees outlining how to submit proof of vaccination. To complete your vaccination verification, you will need the date of your second shot (if you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or the date of your single shot (if you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). A scan or photograph of your CDC (Centers for Disease Control) COVID-19 vaccination record card (or an equivalent document if you received your vaccination outside the United States), and, if you have the New York State Excelsior Pass app, screenshot of your pass from your mobile device.
For general information on getting back to working in person, please review to this FAQ.
COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for vaccination is determined by each state. Vaccine roll out in New York State is currently in Phase 1a and 1b. Check Am I Eligible.
If you reside outside New York State, check here for eligibility by residency.
How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site
Vaccines are available for New York State residents at hospitals, pharmacies, and local health departments with an appointment. Search for an available appointment in New York City with VaccineFinder. You can also find vaccination appointments state-wide through: Am I Eligible.
Diverse researchers and scientists discuss why you and your loved ones should get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available to you.
COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccine is generally considered safe, with over 353 million doses administered in the United States as of August 10, 2021. Visit CDC Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines to find out more about vaccine information, risks, and any adverse effects.
Testing
CUNY COVID-19 Testing Information
For a list of testing locations, visit here.
For a step sheet on how to schedule a CUNY COVID-19 test, visit here.
Unvaccinated faculty and staff returning to work the week of August 16 have to get tested this week. Those returning the week of August 23 have to test the week of August 16, and thereafter no more than seven days before being in a CUNY facility. Testing is by appointment, but walk-ins may be accepted on a standby basis once those with appointments have been tested. Employees will be given 30 minutes of paid time if the testing site is on their campus or office location, and 45 minutes if they need to travel to an off-site location.
Testing utilizes a PCR test with a nasal swab that is less invasive than the longer-stemmed swabs used elsewhere but is still highly sensitive and designed to detect COVID-19 before a person becomes symptomatic and can begin spreading the virus.
Testing Exceptions
Anyone required to be tested can opt out of the testing program at any time by voluntarily showing proof that they are fully vaccinated. You may also opt out of testing if you have an approved request for a fully remote accommodation. Approved or pending requests need to be indicated on the Vaccination Verification menu in CUNYfirst and will be verified by campus Human Resources offices after they are submitted.
Random Testing
To help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the testing program also includes periodic screening of a random sampling of vaccinated individuals across the university. The frequency of such testing will depend upon the coronavirus positivity rate and the prevalence of variants among other factors.
For more information about CUNY's COVID-19 testing program, see the Testing FAQ. For general frequently asked questions, refer to the Getting Back to Working in Person FAQ. If you still have questions, contact your HR office.
As campus access protocols change, be sure to review the Returning Safely Together webpage and the BC Brief, a weekly emailed publication for important updates.
