Reg, and the (First) 2022 COVID-19 Post

by Drykath
Posted on 3 years, 1 month ago


Registration is now available! The first thing I should tell you...

Vaccination Against COVID-19 Will Still Be Required to Attend MCFC 2022

At the moment, our policy is largely unchanged from the 2021 convention. Just like last year you'll need to be fully vaccinated to attend.

That might include boosters for those that got their initial vaccine early on, based on public health professional guidance. We'll let you know by February 24h.

That's the short version! If that's what you need to know, ready to jump into registration?

Go for it!

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Details

"Fully Vaccinated"

Like last year our policy follows the CDC definition on who's considered to be fully vaccinated, which at the moment is:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Now that boosters are available, there have been some discussions on whether the CDC will update its definition to include a third shots (supposedly if your first vaccination was over 6 to 9 months ago.) Though that's not been made official yet, but that's the big thing we'll be watching for. As such:

Up until February 24th, one month before the con, we may update our policy to follow CDC guidance.
If booster shots are added into "fully vaccinated", our policy will likely follow soon after.

After February 24th, we'll consider that definition set.
At that point you can expect our COVID-19 policy to stay as it is.

Realistically, we expect to know sooner than that. If the CDC doesn't change it by February, we don't expect they'll do so afterward. But even if they do we don't want to surprise you at the very last minute.

In any case, please don't base the health decisions for yourself and your family around you on what some random furry convention minimally requires for attendance. If you're ready and it's time for you to get the booster shot (6 months following one of the 2-shot series, or 2 months following the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot) go ahead and get the booster. That way you're ready no matter what.

Receive Your Final Shot By Thursday, March 10

Again, you're considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your final dose. That means if you've not been vaccinated (or if you do need the booster) the final day for that last shot is March 10th.

If you're looking to get one of the 2-dose series vaccines (such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) there's usually a 3 or 4 week wait between the 1st and 2nd dose. As such, you'll want to target your first dose for early February.

They're still available free of charge, and probably at a location close to you!

COVID-19 Vaccination Proof

The types of proof we will accept is at this time still the same as before. The list includes but may not be limited to:

  • An original, or digital picture of an authentic United States CDC COVID-19 vaccination card. This is most likely what you'll have.
  • An official original document, or digital screen showing an official Canadian province vaccine record, an EU vaccination certificate, or similar record issued by the healthcare provider in your region that administered your vaccination.
  • A digital screen of a patient portal showing COVID-19 vaccination dates, such as UofM's MyChart.
  • A verifiable letter from a licensed healthcare professional attesting that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

When you get to the con, be prepared to show your documentation to registration staff in order to receive your badge. We will not retain any of the documentation, or record any of the information. Just, no proof, no badge. And please don't send it to us ahead of time.

Masks

Masks will not be required around the convention, but are still highly recommended. It's a really good idea. You can even get printed ones to match your species! They're so cute; get a few to swap out through the weekend!

Hotel

Okay, not COVID-19-related, but we know you'll be asking about it anyway: Our team is working on it! Hotel room availability will be a little later -- very likely early January. We'll get the date posted ASAP when that's set so that you can prepare.

Still good with all of that?

Go register!