PSU COVID-19 vaccine deferral option is ending; Pfizer shot gets full FDA approval

On Monday we celebrated the news that the Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 and older. Currently, three types of COVID-19 vaccines are approved and recommended by the FDA; the Pfizer vaccine is the first to be given the agency’s full approval, marking a major milestone in the pandemic. 

Vaccines offer us a safe and effective path to a healthy future, and that is why PSU is requiring all students and employees to submit an online COVID-19 vaccination attestation before the Sept. 7 deadline. 

The following vaccines meet the PSU requirement:

• Vaccines authorized in the U.S. for emergency use, including the two-dose Moderna or single-dose Johnson & Johnson
• Vaccines authorized with the FDA’s full approval — the two-dose Pfizer;
• Or vaccines approved by the World Health Organization.

What the FDA decision changes for PSU

In light of the FDA’s decision, the option of a temporary vaccine deferral originally included in the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is no longer available. Those who deferred will need to either get vaccinated and complete an attestation or request a medical or nonmedical exemption.

If you previously requested a deferral:

• Students: Please contact the Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC) for help updating your attestation form.  
• Employees: HR will send an email to your PSU email account with specific instructions related to updating your attestation. 

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate our safe return to campus.