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CSM’s Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines

In accordance with CSM’s commitment to creating and maintaining a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are providing this guidance to safeguard the health of our employees and their families; our customers and visitors; and the community at large from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, that may be reduced by vaccinations. This guidance complies with all applicable laws and is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities.

Scope

All employees are strongly encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as recommended by the CDC and the Maryland Health Department. At this time, CSM has no intention of mandating the COVID-19 vaccination. All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. Scientific data from clinical trials also show that getting a COVID-19 vaccination may help keep you from becoming seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

Procedures

CSM’s health insurance will pay for COVID-19 vaccinations for covered employees.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Are CSM employees eligible to receive the vaccine?

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is working with the local health departments in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s County to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for Emergency and Essential Operations Employees as part of the 1B phase of the State of Maryland’s vaccination plan. 

Phase 1B:  Education sector/school personnel (PreK – grade 12); child care providers; higher educational institutes (faculty/staff for essential in-person learning that cannot be provided remotely); and elected officials/continuity of government

For CSM this group includes those employees who are:

  1. Members of the Emergency Management Team, or
  2. Regularly assigned to work on campus or CSM training location to carry out essential functions, or
  3. Instructors who are currently teaching an on-campus class

Employees who are considered essential for the Spring 2021 semester have been notified by  e-mail and provided information on how to register with their local health department.

Is the vaccine mandatory?

CSM is not requiring the vaccine for students, faculty, and staff. We encourage all who are able to get the vaccine to do so when it becomes available to them.

Once I receive the vaccine, am I still required to follow CSM’s Healthy Campus protocols of taking the daily self-assessment, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and physically distancing?

Yes.  We ask for continued cooperation with the protocols we set forth to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe.

Where can I get more information about the vaccine?

Please see the use the following resources for more detailed information about the science, vaccine safety, rollout, and who should receive the vaccine as well as discussing with your doctor regarding your own health.