“No Longer Eligible to Work at Harvard”

The University’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate takes effect December 8.

The Harvard Shield

As of October 15, 97 percent of on-campus employees were vaccinated. By December 8, in compliance with the Biden administration’s executive order of September 9, directing that employees of federal contractors be fully vaccinated, Harvard is aiming for 100 percent, according to an email from President Lawrence S. Bacow, Provost Alan M. Garber, Executive Vice President Katie Lapp, and University Health Services Executive Director Giang T. Nguyen. Writing to the community last Friday, the four leaders said, “As a federal contractor, Harvard University will comply with these requirements.”

Working away from campus does not constitute permission to defer vaccination: “Consistent with the new federal guidance, all Harvard employees, including those who are on 100 percent remote work status, must be fully vaccinated.” The usual exemptions apply (“Employees who claim a medical or religious exemption are required to submit for review signed exemption-claim documentation, and they will be notified if they have been deemed legally exempt from the federal requirement”)—but otherwise, the rule is absolute: “Individuals who do not have a legal exemption and are not fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, will no longer be eligible to work at Harvard.”

Those who do qualify for a legal exemption for medical or religious reasons will be subject to more frequent COVID-19 testing requirements and “may be subject to additional public health measures. Failure to comply with the more frequent testing requirements and other additional public health measures will result in appropriate disciplinary measures.” 

The message concluded:

Our best weapon against COVID-19 is campus-wide vaccination. These vaccines work in preventing serious infections and are highly effective coupled with masks and our other public health measures. With your continued commitment and vigilance, we can ensure that we and our colleagues and loved ones stay safe.

Thank you for playing your role in protecting our community against COVID-19.

The federal order is having the same effect on other campuses, too. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Arizona’s three public universities, Penn State, and the University of Delaware have all announced compliance with the December 8 deadline.

Read more articles by John S. Rosenberg

Related Topics

You might also like

Harvard Kennedy School Unveils American Service Fellowship

Will fund degrees for 50 public servants and military veterans

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Most popular

Harvard’s Hiring Freeze Continues

University leaders say $1 billion per year is at risk due to federal actions

Harvard Retains Winthrop Name

Committee undecided on whether owning slaves merits denaming

The Professor Who Quantified Democracy

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Explore More From Current Issue

A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

Harvard Summer Reading Picks | 2025

The wealth gap, shamanism, the life of David Nathan, and more

Harvard Commencement 2025

Harvard passes a test of its values, yet challenges loom.