Southern Maine Community College will require all people taking any type of class or training on SMCC property or at off-site locations to submit proof they have received booster shots against COVID-19.
The Maine Community College System is requiring booster vaccines at all six community colleges in Maine given the recent surge in the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Students must provide proof that they’ve received booster shots within six months of their last shot for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or within three months of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The requirement does not apply to students who are taking classes online and will not be entering any on-campus buildings for any reason.
SMCC previously required students to submit proof that they had received vaccines against COVID in order to take in-person classes. The additional requirement for a booster shot aims to further protect the health and safety of students and employees. 
“We strongly encourage everyone to get a booster shot as soon as possible,” said SMCC President Joe Cassidy. “It is vital that we take the appropriate steps and do what we can to protect our campuses, our students and our community.”
Students can also seek a medical exemption from vaccine requirements. The Maine Community College System will follow CDC guidelines in reviewing requests for exemptions, and any request for exemption will be reviewed each semester.
In addition to the vaccine requirements, SMCC requires students and employees to complete daily health screenings on a mobile app before coming to campus and to check in where they go on campus using QR codes placed at building and room entrances. Face coverings are required indoors on SMCC property and at any off-campus sites where SMCC provides training.
For more information about COVID guidelines and policies, please visit the SMCC COVID-19 information webpage.a>