Covid Vaccine Eligibility For International Students: Who Qualifies?

International students' eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine varies by country and institution. In the United States, international students are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and some universities, such as NYU, require students to be vaccinated to enter campus buildings and participate in on or off-campus activities. In Canada, all members of the UBC community, including international students, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. In the United Kingdom, international students are eligible for the vaccine if they are registered with a local General Practitioner (GP). In Australia, COVID-19 vaccination is free for anyone in the country, regardless of their visa status.

International students in Australia are eligible for free COVID-19 vaccines

To receive a free COVID-19 vaccine in Australia, international students can visit participating community pharmacies or state-run clinics. They can also book an appointment at a vaccination center and do not need a prescription from a doctor. The Australian government has secured 150 million doses of various vaccines, including the Oxford-AstraZeneca, Novavax, and COVAX Facility vaccines.

The availability of COVID-19 vaccines for international students in Australia is excellent news for the 520,000 international student visa holders who have been living and studying in the country during the pandemic. It also bodes well for the Australian economy, as vaccines play a crucial role in reopening borders and welcoming new international students keen to continue their education in Australia.

International students' support needs are unique, and the shift to online learning during the pandemic has been challenging for both students and education providers. Now, Australia is looking forward to strengthening its international education sector and welcoming students back in a COVID-safe way. A range of factors, including vaccination status, will be considered for international arrivals to ensure the protection of both international students and the Australian community.

International students in the UK are eligible for free COVID-19 vaccines

Eligibility

To be eligible for the vaccine, international students must be registered with their local General Practitioner (GP). The GP will then contact the student directly via telephone or online to book their vaccination appointment. However, only students from amber and green countries will be able to get the vaccine, as the UK government implements travel restrictions to prevent a spike in infection rates.

Testing and Quarantine

Entrants from green countries must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival or the day after. A positive test result requires the entrant to quarantine. If the NHS's Test & Trace identifies someone you travelled with as testing positive for COVID-19, you must also quarantine. Those arriving from countries on the UK government's red list will not be able to enter the UK unless they are British, Irish, or have the right to live in the UK.

International Students in Other Countries

International students in Australia and Canada are also eligible for free COVID-19 vaccines. In Australia, COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, including temporary visa holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and those in detention centres. In British Columbia, Canada, anyone over five years old can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free, regardless of their enrolment in the Medical Services Plan or possession of a BC Personal Health Number (PHN).

International Students in the United States

International students in the United States are also eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. However, unlike the UK, Australia, and Canada, the US requires students to be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine to enter the country. Students who are unable to comply with this mandate will not be permitted to enter the United States. The US government has also issued orders stating that federal funds should not be used to support educational institutions that require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend in-person education programs.

International students in Canada are encouraged to get vaccinated

All individuals aged 5 years and older in Canada are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their citizenship or residency status. International students do not need to have a study permit, health insurance, or a Social Insurance Number to get vaccinated. However, they may need a Personal Health Number (PHN) to register online for the vaccine. Students can obtain a PHN by calling 1-833-838-2323 or by visiting a ServiceBC office in person. Translators are available to assist with the process.

The process for booking a vaccination appointment may vary depending on the province, so students are advised to follow their province's registration procedure. They can visit the official website of their province's health authority or contact their local public health unit for more information. Some provinces may also have vaccine clinics that offer walk-in appointments. Additionally, international students who have received their first or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine outside of Canada should bring their vaccination records when travelling to or within Canada. This will allow them to receive the necessary additional doses or boosters and ensure their vaccination status is up to date.

Getting vaccinated is an important step towards protecting the health and safety of international students and the wider community in Canada. By getting vaccinated, students can not only exempt themselves from certain travel restrictions but also play a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. It is important to stay informed about the latest public health measures and recommendations, as the situation is constantly evolving.

International students in the US are required to be vaccinated to enter the country

International students in the US are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the country. This mandate came into effect on November 8, 2021, and applies to all international students seeking to enter the United States by air. Students must show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight. This requirement helps ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff on campus and aligns with the broader goal of combating the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not a requirement for entry into the UK, international students are encouraged to get vaccinated. In the UK, anyone can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. International students in England become eligible for the vaccine based on their age or clinical risk group. They can book their vaccination appointments through a local GP practice, even if they are unregistered.

In the US, the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for international students varies by state. Initially, many states were focused on vaccinating individuals in Phase 1a, 1b, and 1c, making it unlikely for international students to be eligible. However, as vaccine supply expanded, more states made the vaccine available to international students. The best way for international students to confirm their eligibility and find free vaccination sites is by contacting the health department in their city or county.

Universities in the US, such as USC, have also played a role in facilitating vaccine access for international students. USC, for instance, offers international students who are unable to obtain vaccination in their home countries the option to receive the vaccine through USC Student Health upon their arrival in the United States. Additionally, universities may have specific policies regarding vaccination requirements for on-campus programs. For instance, USC requires all students in on-campus programs to receive a COVID-19 booster when they become eligible.

Overall, while the specifics may vary by location, it is evident that international students in the US are required to be vaccinated to enter the country. This mandate is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the student community and the broader population amid the ongoing pandemic.

International students at NYU must be vaccinated to access buildings and activities

International students at NYU must be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization or the Food and Drug Administration to access buildings and activities. This requirement applies to all NYU community members, including those at the university's 15 global sites. However, some international students, particularly those from Russia and India, face challenges due to conflicts between local vaccine availability and NYU's vaccination rules.

For example, Sputnik V, one of the approved vaccines in Russia, is not currently authorized by the WHO or FDA due to concerns over quality control and testing data integrity. Students who have received this vaccine may find themselves unable to attend classes or participate fully in campus life. NYU has recognized this issue and stated that arrangements will be made for these students to receive an approved vaccine when they arrive on campus.

While vaccines are expected to be readily available at NYU's New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. campuses, there is a lack of information for international students planning to study at other sites. This uncertainty has caused confusion and concern among students. NYU's large international student population has also brought attention to the gaps that exist within the international community, university institutions, and the government regarding vaccination rules and access.

To address these challenges, NYU's International Student Office has been proactive in providing answers and guidance to international students. Additionally, students may request an exemption from any vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons, with appropriate certification or evidence. Overall, NYU is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of its campus community while also supporting its international students in navigating these complex vaccine requirements.

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