HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMPORTANT: If you are attending the 2022 ISSCR Annual Meeting in-person, please submit your proof of vaccination here.

PLANNING FOR AN IN-PERSON ISSCR 2022

The ISSCR Annual Meeting is returning to San Francisco for a live, in-person event. More than 2,000 scientists, clinicians, and leaders from all over the world will join us in San Francisco 15-18 June 2022, and many more virtually.

Your health and safety are important to us. We are actively tracking the emerging news and science around COVID-19. The ISSCR also continues to monitor guidelines for health safety measures from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California and San Francisco County and will adjust our plans and protocols accordingly. 

Federal, California state and local laws will be adhered to at the ISSCR Annual Meeting. We are also working closely with the San Francisco community, including the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Authority, event venues and hotels. Any adjustments in our health protocols will be communicated to our ISSCR community.

The details below are just some of the precautions we will implement for ISSCR 2022. We will continue to evaluate and expand our health safety protocols as medical recommendations evolve and will update this page accordingly, so you know what to expect when you arrive in San Francisco for the ISSCR 2022 Annual Meeting. 

Click here to view the ISSCR's COVID-19 FAQ document.

Before you leave home!

The ISSCR encourages attendees to:

Ensure you have your proof of vaccination documentation.
Get the latest COVID-19 booster shot(s).
Test for COVID-19.
View ISSCR's COVID-19 FAQ document.

Travel to the United States

Effective 27 January 2022, all international travelers to the U.S. must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 1 day, prior to boarding their flight to the U.S. Those traveling by land do not need to provide a negative test. If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, you can instead travel with proof of recovery. Though there is not vaccine requirement for international travel, the ISSCR is still requiring proof of vaccination to attend the Annual Meeting. Existing visa policies remain in place. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

Please visit the CDC website for more information on testing and entry requirements regarding international travel. 

What to Expect at ISSCR 2022

REQUIRED: Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
The ISSCR reserves the right to deny venue entry to any attendee or vendor who is not “Up to date vaccinated” OR “Fully vaccinated” with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

If you are "Up to date vaccinated":

NOTE: "Up to date vaccinated" is currently defined as a person that has completed the initial cycle as well as received the booster if eligible. Beginning 1 February 2022, a negative COVID-19 test can replace the former requirement for a booster - see below for more information.

ISSCR attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to pick up an ISSCR 2022 Annual Meeting badge.
Attendees must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO).  A list of approved vaccines can be found here. 
Once you have provided your proof of vaccination and picked up your badge, you will not need to verify your vaccination status again.

If you are "Fully vaccinated":

NOTE: "Fully vaccinated" is currently defined as a person who has completed the initial cycle (two shots for Moderna & Pfizer, 1 shot of J&J) of a WHO approved vaccine. Beginning 1 February 2022 proof of a negative COVID-19 test can replace the formerly mandated requirement for a booster. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required to attend the ISSCR 2022 Annual Meeting if you are fully vaccinated.

Tests accepted:

Antigen tests
- Must be taken within 1 day of entry to the facility for the first time.
- Self-administered antigen testing is not currently acceptable unless there is third-party verification. California Department of Public Health Guidance states the following are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 result.
  - Printed document from the test provider or laboratory, OR
  - Electronic test results displayed on a phone or other device from a test provider or laboratory
  - The information should include the person's name, type of test performed, and negative test result.

PCR tests
- Must be taken within 2 days of entry to the facility for the first time.

See COVID-19 Testing sites in San Francisco here.

Health Screenings and Services

ISSCR 2022 Annual Meeting attendees will be required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, as follows:
- In the conventional center.
- During all ISSCR events and gatherings outside the convention center.
- In ISSCR shuttle buses and any ISSCR or related hotel/venue transportation services.
Masks are optional when outside; or when giving a presentation.
The ISSCR will provide on-site access to health services and medical aid for those who may need it.
ISSCR 2022 attendees are encouraged to download the COVID tracing and alert app, CA Notify, developed by the State of California.  Learn more here.

Conference Area and Meeting Spacing

The ISSCR, in partnership with San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center will following local guidelines on social distancing. These guidelines will affect conference areas, meeting spaces, and aisles.
The public areas and entry points at ISSCR venues will respect social distancing.

This is a sample of the initiatives currently underway to ensure attendees safety and comfort – others are under consideration. We will continue to provide updates to exhibitors and attendees. If you have questions or concerns about ISSCR COVID-19 protocols, please contact isscr@isscr.org.

Recommendations for Exhibitors

Below are some recommendations and considerations as you begin to plan your ISSCR exhibit experience: 

Communicate the proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement to your staff. All attendees, support staff and exhibitors’ staff must provide proof of vaccination. 
Ensure your booth has plenty of hand sanitizer that is visible and easily accessible.
Ensure your booth design can accommodate proper social distancing. This includes designated entrances and exits, one directional traffic flow within your booth and socially distanced seating in demo/presentation areas with an access-control monitor. 
Frequent booth/product cleaning, including regular disinfection of surfaces and frequently touched items.

Please contact exhibits@isscr.org for more detailed information about exhibiting.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in June!