The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) remains vigilant in doing their part to keep all attendees of our in-person events and programs safe from COVID-19. BIANYS also complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning in-person attendance at events and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we encourage all individuals to be fully vaccinated, effective immediately, all individuals, including staff, exhibitors, guests and speakers, regardless of their vaccination status, are eligible to attend official BIANYS in-person events and/or programs.

BIANYS will continue to request proof of vaccination for each event and/or program and provide the opportunity to do so before, and the day of, the event/and or program. If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination, have a medical exemption or identify as non-vaccinated, you will be required to wear a mask at all times during the event and/or program. No exemptions will be made.

Definition of Fully Vaccinated

For purposes of right of entry to any BIANYS in-person event or program, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after having had:

  • single dose vaccination, such as Johnson & Johnson’s or Janssen vaccination
  • the second of a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Please note that eligible boosters are encouraged, but not required.

Proof of Vaccination and proof of Identity

Proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine must provide one of the following forms of proof to BIANYS before entering an in-person event or program:

  • Excelsior Pass (encouraged);
  • CDC Vaccination Card (photo, screenshot or copy);
  • NYC Vaccination Record; or
  • other official immunization record from your healthcare provider (NYC Covid Safe App and Clear Health Pass are also acceptable)

In addition, anyone 18 years of age or older may be asked to provide, before being permitted to attend, proof of identification.  Such proof of identification must contain the individual’s name and photograph or the individual’s name and date of birth.  Proof of identification will be compared with the information on the vaccination proof provided.  Acceptable proof of identification includes: a State issued driver’s license, a passport, a non-driver government-issued ID, school or work IDs.

Event Entry Requirement*

There are two ways that each attendee will satisfy BIANYS’ entry requirement:

  • Submitting proof vaccination at least 48 hours prior to attending the BIANYS’ event or program and then complete the entry process at the in-person event or program.

OR

  • Provide proof of vaccination at the event or program registration before entry.

*Please note that in addition to proof of vaccination, you may be asked for proof of identification.

Individuals who do not satisfy these requirements will be required to wear a mask during the entire event. If an individual is unable to comply with this policy, they may be asked to leave the event and/or program and will not receive reimbursement for any registration or fees.

A poster reminding prospective attendees of these requirements will be posted at the door.

Be aware that requirements may change quickly, impacting our event and/or program. If COVID-19 transmission rates increase within the local community, or in response to local, state, or federal guidelines or requirements, any changes to the event and/or guidelines will be communicated to all attendees and posted on the BIANYS website at www.bianys.org.  We encourage you to frequent our site to review any changes.

For any questions or concerns, contact BIANYS at info@bianys.org or call the office at (518) 459-7911.