Message from the Task Force on Transition and Adaptability Regarding Vaccines

To the University Community,

As we get ready to launch our 107th academic year, we wish to inform you of some changes to the University’s COVID protocols. 

Starting Aug. 1, and aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest guidelines, COVID-19 vaccines are no longer mandatory but are strongly recommended for all students, faculty and staff. There is one exception: students in University-managed housing, such as residential halls or University-owned apartments, are still required to be vaccinated due to the density of the living environments in student housing.

Students who live on campus can submit vaccination cards through webster.medicatconnect.com. Campuses in areas outside of St. Louis may have different government-issued health guidelines that could supersede Webster’s policies. 

Webster University has had tremendous success with vaccinations. More than 95% of the University’s community has been vaccinated, which has helped keep the University’s rate of infection significantly lower than other peer institutions, and most of those who did get vaccinated did so voluntarily before the University issued a mandate. 

We strongly encourage members of the University community to continue to voluntarily get vaccinated, as vaccines significantly reduce illness and death rates and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months or older receive a primary series of shots, and that everyone 5 years and older receive at least one booster shot. Employees who do get vaccinated are encouraged to document that by accessing their myADP account through the ADP smartphone app or by emailing a copy of their cards to humanresources@webster.edu.

Faculty and staff should continue to report any positive COVID-19 cases through our online incident report.  Protocols and other information for employees are available on the HR Connections site.

As a reminder, anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste (full list of symptoms here) should stay away from campus until the symptoms subside. 

A full list of all of the University’s protocols can be found on the COVID-19 page.