COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQ's

In September, The White House announced its “Path Out of the Pandemic” COVID-19 Action Plan, which includes an Executive Order from President Joe Biden containing new requirements related to vaccinations for COVID-19. Our leadership team has reviewed the Executive Order to determine what actions the University is legally obligated to take in response.

USA, like other major public universities in Alabama and across the country, receives significant funding from the federal government through federal contracts, without which the University’s ability to fulfill its mission would be critically undermined. For the University to remain eligible for this funding, certain categories of USA employees, including certain student employees, will be required under the Executive Order to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or receive a medical or religious exemption, by the federally mandated deadline of January 5, 2022.

In addition, The Biden-Harris Administration is requiring COVID-19 vaccination of eligible employees and students at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs (CMS). This new mandate establishes COVID-19 vaccination requirements for employees, and students that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, regardless of clinical responsibility or patient contact. Employees and students under these categories will also be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or receive a medical or religious exemption, by the federally mandated deadline of January 5, 2022.

Certain categories of USA employees, including certain students, will be required under the Executive Order or the CMS Order to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or receive a medical or religious exemption, by the federally mandated deadline of January 5, 2022.

The Human Resources office via the pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu email will notify employees and students affected by the mandate. The email will indicate if you are required to provide proof of vaccination, due dates and methods for submission of the documentation required to comply with the mandate.  

Employees may also receive a medical or religious exemption to the mandate. For additional information and required forms please visit https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/financialaffairs/hr/vaccine-mandate/

For additional questions please email pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu.

The University continues to closely examine and monitor federal and State guidance.  At present, however, pursuant to the terms of the Executive Order and accompanying guidance, faculty, staff and student employees identified and informed of being subject to the mandate will need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption by January 5, 2022.

No, an employee should not be required to use accrued leave time when they are scheduled for vaccination. An employee will be permitted up to 1-hour to leave and return from their scheduled vaccination. If an employee exceeds 1-hour, they will need to use accrued leave time unless there are extenuating circumstances. In those cases, the department should communicate with Human Resources for guidance.

COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, are available to eligible students and employees by appointment at the Student Health Center during normal operating hours. Be aware that you will need a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in three weeks if this is your first dose. For second doses and boosters, bring your original vaccine card with you.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are also available at convenient community locations. Employees on the main academic campus are encouraged to provide verification of their vaccination status to Employee Health and Wellness. Students are encouraged to provide verification of their vaccination status through the Student Health Portal.

Employees and students affected by the mandate must submit an electronic copy of your vaccination card to pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu or visit the Human Resources Office in Technology Research Park III, Suite 2200, to show your card.

Employees, if you are fully vaccinated and provided proof of vaccination for the purpose of the Covid-19 vaccine incentive program please email pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu providing authorization to use the records to comply with this mandate. Please include your full name and J# in the email.

Student Workers, if you are fully vaccinated and received your vaccination through the Student Health Center, please email pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu providing authorization to use the records to comply with this mandate. Please include your full name and J# in the email.

Employees and students affected by the mandate may seek an exemption to the vaccination requirement for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs using this form. The University may ask for other information as needed to determine if qualify for an exemption. Current employees, as applicable, must submit this form by no later than January 4, 2022.  

This form can be delivered in person or via email to pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu. If the request is granted the employee is required to follow all University COVID-19 safety protocols as applicable.

We are continuing to examine and monitor Federal and State guidance. Further information will be communicated through official communication channels.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines or approved medical and/or religious exemptions will be required for any new employee or student worker identified as subject to the vaccine mandate.

All supervisors: Only certain categories of USA employees, including certain student workers, will be required under the Executive Order or the CMS order to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. If your department, at this time, has not been informed by Human Resources of the mandate, your employees do not have to provide proof of vaccination. For any additional questions please email pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu.

 

Supervisors affected by the Mandate: If your department has been identified as subject to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, your employees should follow provided instructions to submit proof of vaccination or apply for a religious or medical exemption. Do not ask your employees about their vaccination status. Direct all questions to Human Resources. Questions can be sent via email at pandemichrcampus@southalabama.edu or asked via phone at 251-461-1521.