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COVID-19 Vaccine

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly encouraged, but not required, for all students, faculty, staff, and researchers.  

Important Information About COVID-19 Vaccine:

Eligibility for the updated COVID-19 Vaccine: You are eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine. If you have recently had COVID-19 infection, you may be vaccinated if you are fully recovered and completed your isolation; you may consider delaying vaccination for up to 90 days after COVID-19 infection rather than 2 months. 

  • Individuals who received their primary vaccine series outside the United States and are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine should seek an FDA- or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine that is available to them. Mixing of brands is acceptable.
  • Students who receive their COVID-19 vaccine outside of HUHS can submit their information to HUHS through the Patient Portal to ensure their medical record stays updated. If you have already submitted your COVID-19 vaccination documentation to mrecords@huhs.harvard.edu you do not need to resubmit to the Patient Portal. Vaccines received outside of the United States must include documentation in English.  

Please be sure your vaccination documentation shows the following:

  1. Your name
  2. Date of birth
  3. The manufacturer of the vaccine
  4. The date(s) on which the vaccines were received. If you already have an approved exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine, you do not need to submit additional information for a new vaccine exemption. 
  • Exceptions will be provided only for medical or religious reasons. To request an exemption form, complete the Student Vaccine Exemption Form and upload to the Patient Portal.
  • If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine, or any other vaccine, from Harvard University Health Services, you do not need to submit the documentation. Your information is documented in your medical record at the time of your vaccine. 

What should international students who may have trouble accessing vaccine do before they travel to campus?

For international students and any others unable to access an FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine, COVID-19 vaccinations can be obtained by appointment at HUHS or at a local US pharmacy.