CANTON – St. Lawrence University announced that all employees will be required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

The updated policy was shared with University employees on Thursday, January 13, in an email from St. Lawrence's senior staff members.

"Booster shots continue to be one of the most effective ways that we can protect our community against COVID-19," the January 13 message stated. "There continues to be strong evidence that people who are vaccinated and have received the booster are either asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms if they test positive. Meanwhile, those who have not been vaccinated or boosted have a much greater chance of experiencing more serious consequences, including hospitalization and even death."

The University's senior staff members sent a message to employees on Tuesday, December 21, making them aware that a change to the vaccination policy announced in the fall was under consideration. Employees were able to submit feedback anonymously through January 7.

"The overall response to the proposed policy was in support by a significant margin," the message said. "While we did also hear concerns about the proposed policy, those did not outweigh the concerns for the safety of our community."

The final policy is posted on the University's website. Employees will need to upload proof of vaccination by January 28, 2022, or 30 days after they are eligible for a booster. Employees can apply for a medical or religious exemption from the policy.

The University announced a student booster requirement on December 21.