The University of New Mexico has updated its COVID Administrative Vaccine Mandate and will now require a booster shot requirement as part of its mandate. The requirement applies to all current employees and students to receive a booster dose of the vaccine when eligible according to the FDA.

On Dec. 2, 2021, the State of New Mexico issued an updated public health order requiring the vaccine booster for many state employees. The UNM Health Sciences Center has already communicated its intent to require boosters for its employees.

Individuals who received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) on or before June 15, 2021, or their single dose of a viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) on or before October 15, 2021, must provide documentation of receipt of a booster dose no later than January 17, 2022

If you received your second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) after June 15, 2021, or your single dose of a viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) after October 15, 2021, you must provide documentation of receipt of a booster within four weeks of eligibility, according to criteria provided by the FDA (6 months after completing an initial two-dose mRNA vaccine series, and 2 months after receiving a viral vector vaccine).  

Visit the New Mexico Department of Health Vaccine Registration System to check your booster eligibility and find a location to receive your shot. Once you’ve received your booster, simply update your status at the UNM Vaccine Verification Program site.

International students vaccinated with a vaccine from the World Health Organization Emergency Use List (WHO EUL) will also be asked to submit documentation of that vaccination; these students are recommended to be vaccinated again upon arrival in New Mexico using an FDA-approved vaccine and subsequently submit documentation of that vaccination. 

Some exemptions will be permitted, consistent with our existing vaccination mandate, so please consult our formal mandate for more information.

“I appreciate your continued care for yourself and compassion for your fellow Lobos,” said Stokes. “As a university, our vaccination rates for students, faculty, and staff are well over 90 percent, and I anticipate our booster rate will be similarly successful. We will continue to provide regular updates in the coming weeks as we ensure our community remains safe and healthy.”

For more information, visit The Pack is Back.