Public Health
Public health is central to the academic and personal success of every student. In this section, we offer a deep dive into the health compliance policies, initiatives, and guidelines established to promote a healthy community, prevent/reduce communicable disease transmission, and our response to public health emergencies/threats. Explore our proactive measures and commitment to ensuring a safe and health-conscious campus environment.
Additional resources:
Flu Student Vaccination Compliance
All eligible Johns Hopkins University students who will be working or studying at a U.S.-based university campus or work site are required to have the Flu vaccine by November 17, 2023.
JHU students who are 100% remote
Students who never come to any Johns Hopkins facility or conduct business publicly on Johns Hopkins’ behalf—are not required to have the vaccines (although it is recommended).
Consequences of non-compliance
Students who have not uploaded documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or filed a request for an exception are subject to progressive enforcement measures, including but not limited to:
SIS course registration holds will be placed after the November 17th, 2023 deadline.
Students not on campus Fall 2023
Students not coming on campus for Fall 2023 and are unable to submit vaccine documentation prior to coming to campus in spring should notify [email protected] immediately if they receive a non-compliance email reminder. Prodensity is no longer being used.
Spring 2024 compliance deadlines
Students who were not on-campus during the Fall 2023 semester/incoming new students joining in Spring 2024 will have the SIS Hold placed for noncompliance start of February 2024.
Pending the workload of incoming submissions and any holidays, VMS approvals and SIS holds removal may take time. Please submit timely.
COVID Information
How can I get a free at-home COVID test kit?
We have free COVID tests available at our 3 primary care clinic locations, in addition you can get free tests through the following resources:
Baltimore City Health Department Guide
Get 4 free tests delivered home – Federal government program
CDC guide – Search for no-cost COVID-19 Testing near you.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, you may submit your results via this online form.
If you submit your results, you will be sent emails with further instructions to your jhu.edu email address.
If you need medical care, SHWB can provide nurse triage, telemedicine, and in some cases, in-person visits to students who are sick.
If you are feeling unwell and have some symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please obtain a home antigen test.
Clinical students and those who Work or Study within the health care system should refer to JHM COVID policy.
COVID Testing & Isolation Guide Non-Clinical Students Only.
Should you be tested?
Do you currently have symptoms consistent with COVID-19? These include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose or congestion
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- diarrhea or vomiting
- headache
- unexplained loss of sense of taste or smell
How to self-isolate if you are COVID positive
You should stay home and separate from others in your living accommodation as much as possible. Additionally, you should:
- Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others and when in public.
- Use a separate bathroom if possible.
- Avoid traveling.
- Avoid sharing personal items, like towels.
- Increase rest, good nutrition, and fluids.
- If you have severe symptoms, like trouble breathing, seek immediate emergency medical care.
When can I end my Isolation?
- You can resume normal activities once your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free—without the aid of fever-reducing medications—for at least 24 hours.
- For the five days after you resume your normal activities, you should take extra precautions:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask and maintaining distance from others
- Gathering outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
- Cleaning hands and high-touch surfaces often
- Testing when possible before gathering with others
- Avoid being around immunocompromised people
- If symptoms or fever return, you should start back at square one: staying home and away from others until you’ve been improving and fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Additional information regarding isolation & a calculator to help you determine your isolation period can be found on the CDC webpage.