Vaccine Information

Update - New vaccine requirements for students, employee vaccine survey, Research restart, welcoming new students (  May 11, 2021)
Update - SBU adopts new CDC outdoor mask guidelines, vaccine safety, Commencement, new surveillance testing (  April 29, 2021)
Special Update - Johnson & Johnson vaccine update (  April 13, 2021)
Update -  Vaccines, new travel guidelines, SBU Magazine, Stony Brook Hero video/nominations, President's Fall message (  April 9, 2021)
Special Update - Vaccine eligibility for 30 years and over, and 16 and over, vaccination opportunity for Saturday notice (  March 31, 2021)
Update - Vaccines, spring/summer safety guidance for students and all ( March 25, 2021) 
HR Provides Information on COVID-19 Vaccination Leave ( March 25, 2021)
Stony Brook Southampton Opens as State Vaccination Site ( March 19, 2021)
Update - Expanded vaccine eligibility, new vaccine locations and continuing safety protocols (  March 11, 2021)
Update - Vaccines, in-person learning, return to work reminders and expanded pool testing (  February 25, 2021)
Update - COVID testing reminders/updates and expanded vaccine eligibility (  February 12, 2021)
Update - Testing, screening, vaccines and safe celebration guidelines (  February 4, 2021)
Special Update - Appointments Available at NYSDOH Community Vaccination Pod at Innovation and Discovery Center (   January 29, 2021 ) 
SBU Hospital Among Highest Performing Vaccine Distribution Sites in New York (   January 20, 2021 )
Update - Latest vaccine information, Spring 2021 student information, SBM news (   January 15, 2021 )
HR Update for Faculty and Staff: Age Requirement Change and New SBU Point of Distribution for Vaccine (   January 13, 2021 )
Faculty and Staff Vaccination Eligibility and Distribution Update (   January 11, 2021 )
HR Issues Vaccination Update to All Faculty and Staff (   January 5, 2021 )

VACCINE FAQS

• Who is eligible to receive vaccines now?

  We have been administering thousands of doses of the vaccine under the Stony Brook Medicine (SBM) COVID-19 vaccination program since December 15, 2020. Currently, all individuals 12 years of age and older who reside in the United States are eligible to receive the vaccine.

  COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across the State. You can visit Vaccines.gov to find appointments near you or contact your local pharmacy or provider.

  Walk-in vaccination is also available at the New York State Mass Vaccination sites in the R&D Park and on the Stony Brook Southampton campus.

• Where should I go if I want to make an appointment?

  To make an appointment, visit ny.gov/vaccine.

• Where are we administering the vaccines?

  On January 18, Stony Brook University was designated as a New York State point of distribution (POD) site where the COVID-19 vaccine is being administered to those eligible to receive it. The POD is located in the R&D Park on Stony Brook Road, operating from 8 am to 7 pm, seven days a week, and has administered more than 240,000 vaccines. On March 19, our Southampton campus became another NYS-run POD site. The vaccination site is located in the gymnasium, and is open from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Stony Brook Southampton is located at 70 Tuckahoe Road, directly across from the Southampton Long Island Rail Road station.

• When will students be able to get the vaccine?

  All United States residents age 12 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. That means students are now eligible and we urge all students to schedule their vaccines as soon as possible.

• Does taking the vaccine mean I am immediately immune? Or how long does it take?

  It’s important to know that vaccination does not provide instant immunity. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines we provide require two doses administered weeks apart - three weeks for Pfizer and four weeks for Moderna. Depending on the vaccine, it can take a total of four to six weeks from initial dosing to achieve immunity and protection levels comparable to those in clinical trials. During this time, it is still possible to become infected with COVID-19. Johnson & Johnson one-dose shots are also widely available and also take several weeks to provide immunity.

• Will getting the vaccine cause me to test positive on a viral COVID test?
  No.  The recently authorized vaccines being used will not cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. The goal of vaccination is for your body to develop an immune response. 
• Do I still need to do COVID surveillance pooled testing if I have received one of the COVID-19 vaccines?

  Yes . Because the vaccine may not give you 100% protection AND because it will not affect your results, you should continue to participate in surveillance testing or get tested for possible infection if you develop symptoms.

• If I have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, can I still get the vaccine?

  Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19 as long as you have recovered as defined by meeting the criteria for discontinuation from isolation (at least 10 days with improving symptoms and fever free for 72 hours).

  Source: CDC Vaccines & Immunizations webpage

• I was treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma. Can I receive the vaccine?

  Yes, but you need to wait until at least 90 days have passed.

  Source: CDC Vaccines & Immunizations webpage

• If I develop COVID-19 after I get my first dose of vaccine but before I get my second dose, should I still get my second dose?

  Yes.  As long as you have recovered and meet the criteria for discontinuation from isolation you can receive the second dose when it is due.  If you are not recovered when it is time for your second dose and do not yet meet the criteria for discontinuation of isolation, defer the second dose until after you complete your isolation period.

  Source: CDC Vaccines & Immunizations webpage

• I have been exposed to COVID-19 or have recently traveled to a non-contiguous state or to a level 2 or higher country and have to quarantine. Can I leave quarantine to get my vaccine?

  No. You need to wait until you meet the requirements to discontinue quarantine before you can get vaccinated. For the latest guidance and requirements, please visit the NYS Travel Advisory web page.

  Source: CDC Vaccines & Immunizations webpage 

• Can I select which vaccine I receive?

  Not all locations have all three vaccine products. The Vaccines.gov vaccination location finder does indicate which product is available at most of the sites. It is not possible for you to select which product you receive as our supplies are provided, and determined, by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

• Will I need to keep wearing personal protective equipment such as masks, practice social distancing, frequently wash my hands, etc. once I take both doses of the vaccine?

  Even after being vaccinated, you must continue to practice hand hygiene, wear a face mask or covering when not in your home or alone in your office, wear the PPE appropriate to your work assignment and socially distance. While the vaccines have proven to be highly effective, these simple steps will help better ensure we continue to contain the spread of the virus and are in keeping with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) current guidelines, until advised otherwise .

• How safe, and effective, is the vaccine?

  See what SBUH Dr. Sharon Nachtman, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, has to say about the safety and efficacy of both vaccines in this short video:
• Where can I find more information, including updates, as things evolve?

  In addition to ongoing updates we will provide, your best resources are the following:

  NYSDOH ‘What You Need to Know’ web page

    Stony Brook Medicine Information About Coronavirus web page

  You can also contact the Health Information Line at 631-632-5000 with any individual questions or concerns you may have. You can also   visit the 'I Am Eligible' New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) website for available vaccine appointments at locations across the State.