COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination for faculty, staff, students and trainees.

As a condition of employment, enrollment, and/or access to Washington University and affiliated facilities, all University employees, students, and trainees must be immunized by vaccination against COVID-19 unless granted a medical or religious exemption. This policy is designed to protect the health of those within the University community and to serve as a public health measure for those within the broader community. The COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective at decreasing the likelihood of contracting COVID-19, preventing serious illness in vaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19, and mitigating spread of the disease.

Current University employees and trainees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination by August 30, 2021. Employees and trainees who join the University after August 30 will be required to provide proof of full vaccination within 30 days of their start date.  Current and incoming students must be fully vaccinated before they arrive on campus, or by August 30, whichever comes first.   The University will assist students who are unable to obtain a vaccine before arrival in obtaining a vaccine locally.  To facilitate planning for fall vaccine clinics, we ask for Danforth campus students who are already vaccinated to submit proof of vaccination by July 15, 2021.  These requirements include individuals who have previously had COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination will be provided free of charge to all University employees, students, and trainees. Those who obtain vaccination through other providers will be required to provide documentation as required by the University. Only COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) are acceptable.  (Currently FDA-approved vaccines are listed here; currently WHO-approved vaccines are listed here.)

In the event of vaccine shortage, the University may modify this policy and related deadlines. The University also may implement COVID-related health and safety requirements in addition to mandatory vaccination.

Exemptions

Exemptions to mandatory vaccination may be granted based on certain medical contraindications or on sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances. Individuals seeking an exemption must submit the appropriate exemption request form by the applicable vaccination deadline. If an individual who has received a medical exemption subsequently chooses to receive vaccination, they must provide acceptable documentation of medical clearance before receiving vaccination from the University.

In order to protect the University community, individuals granted an exemption will be subject to conditions or restrictions related to their job or educational responsibilities, facility access, and/or safety requirements (e.g., masking).

Compliance

Faculty and staff who fail to meet applicable deadlines will be prohibited from accessing University facilities and will be subject to unpaid suspension for up to 30 days. If vaccination or exemption has not been obtained by the end of the 30-day period, the individual will be subject to further measures, including termination of employment.  Students who have been assigned to Residential Life Housing will have their housing contract terminated.

Students who fail to meet applicable deadlines will be prohibited from accessing University facilities and participating in University activities or programs. Students will be administratively withdrawn from their courses, and will not be permitted to register for classes.

View the COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ for more information.