Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
As you know, COVID-19 vaccine boosters became available this past summer. Not long after, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released guidelines on access to boosters which can be found here.
MDH has informed us that given the communal nature of institutions of higher education and the risks associated with campus life, all Luther Seminary employees and students are eligible for a vaccine booster according to the timing of their initial vaccine. Please review MDH’s vaccine booster guidelines and schedule your booster as soon as you are eligible to do so. Students, staff and faculty who do not reside in Minnesota are encouraged to seek out their individual state guidelines and consider obtaining a booster as soon as they are eligible, especially prior to traveling to campus.
In addition, earlier today the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) released its COVID-19 vaccine rule: by January 4, 2022, employers with 100 or more employees are required to ensure each of their workers is fully vaccinated or tests for COVID-19 on at least a weekly basis. Planning for Luther Seminary’s compliance is underway. As the rule is written, it only applies to employees; however, it may result in changes to policies and procedures that effect faculty, staff and students. Future communication regarding Luther Seminary’s implementation of this rule will be sent prior to the Christmas holiday break.
Please contact Heidi Droegemueller (hdroegemueller001@luthersem.edu) or Michael Morrow (mmorrow001@luthersem.edu) with questions.