Student COVID Vaccination Information
Our campus Phase 4 protocols remain in effect as the COVID vaccine becomes more widely available to student groups.
Currently, there is no state- or industry-wide vaccination program being offered to higher education institutions in Massachusetts. Instead, students, as well as everyone else in Massachusetts, must meet certain criteria in order to be vaccinated.
Eligibility for Students Age 16+
Eligibility in Massachusetts is as follows:
- People with two certain medical conditions
- The medical condition must be documented by the Wellness Center.
- Contact preparedness@simons-rock.edu if you make an appointment outside of Great Barrington. Appointments further than Springfield, MA, will not be approved (even if traveling in one’s own vehicle).
- Arrange campus transportation through the Wellness Center with one week's notice. Costs charged to student accounts.
- All eligible students under the age of 18 must bring written parental/guardian consent to receive the vaccine to their appointment. - Workers in certain categories
- Please note, this does not include all student worker positions.
- To receive a letter of employment, or if you are unsure whether you qualify based on your job, please email preparedness@simons-rock.edu.
- Eligible students must make an appointment within Great Barrington.
- All eligible students under the age of 18 must bring written parental/guardian consent to receive the vaccine to their appointment.
Effective April 5:
- People with one certain medical condition
- The medical condition must be documented by the Wellness Center.
- Contact preparedness@simons-rock.edu if you make an appointment outside of Great Barrington. Appointments further than Springfield, MA, will not be approved (even if traveling in one’s own vehicle).
- Arrange campus transportation through the Wellness Center with one week's notice. Costs charged to student accounts.
- All eligible students under the age of 18 must bring written parental/guardian consent to receive the vaccine to their appointment.
Effective April 19:
- People age 16 and older
- Students under the age of 18 must bring written parental/guardian consent to receive the vaccine to their appointment.
- Travel limited to Great Barrington.
Simon’s Rock Student Vaccination Policy
In consultation with our public health officials and the rollout of vaccinations for people 16 years and older, our general policy is that students obtain the vaccine at home after the spring semester ends unless certain special-case criteria are met (such as a documented medical condition).
Protocols for Eligible Students
We ask that students respect the state’s criteria for vaccine eligibility and only make an appointment if eligible. In accordance with Phase 4 protocols , students who are eligible to receive the vaccine and secure an appointment within Great Barrington may use the Campus Shuttle or their own transportation to go to the appointment on days when students are allowed into town. Students will not be permitted to leave the Great Barrington area for a vaccine appointment unless they have a documented medical condition qualifying the trip as a medical necessity; in such an instance, state travel is limited to no further than Springfield, MA (even if traveling in one’s own vehicle).
Important: Two-Dose Vaccine Schedule Overlaps with Finals and Summer Break
Please remember that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, spaced 21 to 28 days apart, and both doses must be administered at the same location. If a student is able to obtain their first shot during the semester but their second shot is scheduled after the spring semester ends, Simon’s Rock is unable to provide housing or transportation for the second dose appointment—students are responsible for following through on their second appointment. Additionally, we are unable to adjust end-of-semester coursework, final exams, or other academic requirements to accommodate vaccination appointments.
VaccinE-Related Travel & Transportation Requests
Try to schedule your appointment Thursday through Saturday when off-campus travel is permitted, otherwise, appointments must be approved by emailing preparedness@simons-rock.edu.
Our transportation fleet is designed to accommodate student transportation within campus and to Great Barrington, as well as special-case scenarios such as urgent medical appointments and emergencies.
If you have an underlying health condition, you're qualified to receive the vaccine at a site as far as Springfield, MA, and we ask that you work directly with the Wellness Center to arrange transportation.
Transportation fees will be charged back to student accounts.
In alignment with our Phase 4 campus protocols , we cannot approve students being driven to appointments by family or friends who aren't in our campus testing community.
Vaccination Sites in Great Barrington
While there is no single comprehensive list of vaccination sites in Great Barrington, one of the best resources for making an appointment is:
Please note: appointment availability varies, and it is best to check regularly for openings.