Note: This letter originally appeared as an e-mail sent to the Hopkins community on Tuesday September 5, 2023.
Dear Johns Hopkins Community:
Over the summer, we have seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the country. While no longer a pandemic, COVID is endemic, and we expect to see cases among our university community this fall and throughout the academic year. Other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and RSV, will also affect our campus community.
This message provides detailed information on influenza vaccination requirements.
Annual Influenza Vaccine
Since 2020, Johns Hopkins University has required all JHU students, trainees, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff to receive an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
This year’s deadline to upload proof of receiving the vaccine to the Vaccine Management System (VMS) is Friday, Nov. 17.
The flu vaccine will be available to students and employees at a series of on-site JHU clinics. You can find a list of all clinics on the mandatory vaccine flu policy webpage.
Information on additional clinics will be shared as it becomes available. For on-site flu clinics, please complete this vaccination form and bring your JHU identification with you. Alternatively, you can get vaccinated at your local pharmacy or by your primary care physician through insurance at no cost to you. Information about JHU insurance coverage for students and for faculty and staff is available online.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) and Applied Physics Laboratory employees are subject to their respective policies and procedures. School of Medicine affiliates follow JHM policies and procedures.
Vaccinations at Walgreens for Faculty and Staff
Beginning mid-September, all JHU faculty and staff can get the flu vaccination for free at any Walgreens location using the JHU flu vaccine voucher. Please check the VMS website for vouchers soon.
When the 2023 voucher is posted, you must either print the voucher or display it on your phone at the time of service. No appointment is necessary. Please complete the vaccination form prior to your appointment. Walgreens clinics, including those on campus, will automatically upload your proof of vaccination.
Proof of Vaccination
If you receive the flu vaccine anywhere other than at a JHU-sponsored vaccine clinic or at Walgreens with your flu voucher—you must upload proof of immunization to the VMS. This applies even if the doctor/doctor’s office that gave you the vaccine is within the Johns Hopkins network.
At a minimum, the submission should include a clear scan or photo of a record that includes your name, the date of vaccination, and the vaccination location (e.g., Giant, CVS, or the name of the physician’s office). If you didn’t get a receipt and you got your vaccine in Maryland, you can download proof of your flu shot from the Maryland myIR.com website.
It may take up to two weeks for your outside flu vaccination to be processed and for you to receive a confirmation email. You can check your status in the VMS at any time.
Exceptions
Anyone requesting a religious or medical exception to the flu vaccine must submit their request to the VMS by Oct. 31, 2023. It may take up to two weeks for your exception request to be reviewed. You must obtain an approved medical or religious exception by Nov. 19, 2023.
Note that the mandate outlined in this message does not apply to JHU affiliates who are 100% remote—that is, those who never visit any Johns Hopkins facility or conduct business in any public setting on Johns Hopkins’ behalf.
Having as many students, faculty, and staff as possible vaccinated against the flu, in conjunction with other health and infection prevention policies, is vital to the safety of our community.
If you have any questions that are not answered on our websites, you can email [email protected].
We appreciate your support.
Kevin Shollenberger
Vice Provost, Student Health and Well Being
Meredith Stewart
Interim Vice President, Human Resources
Executive Director, Total Rewards