Vaccine Access For International Students In The Us

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the studies and travels of many international students to the US. While the US has no country-wide mandate on vaccines, vaccination rates and institutional policies are important considerations for international students. An increasing number of universities require students to be vaccinated before they can return to campus. International students who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or have been vaccinated with a non-FDA or WHO-approved vaccine may need to get revaccinated upon arrival in the US. Vaccines are widely available across the US, and international students can get vaccinated before starting classes. However, vaccinations can be expensive, and students are advised to check their insurance coverage for vaccinations.

Can international students get vaccinated in the US?

International students with non-US-approved vaccines may need to re-vaccinate

International students should check their school's coronavirus vaccination policy and be prepared for potential quarantine procedures. Colleges and universities may have their own quarantine policies, and students must also follow state and local recommendations and requirements. For example, Iowa State University requires new international students to "quarantine or practice increased safety precautions for up to a week after arrival."

Some schools, such as Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, New York University, Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and the University of Chicago, require international students who have not received an FDA- or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine to be re-vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines. Other schools will assist unvaccinated international students in obtaining an FDA-approved vaccine once they arrive on campus.

International students who are unable to get vaccinated in time for the fall term may be able to request remote learning. Florida Tech, for example, will evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Quarantine requirements for unvaccinated international students

International students who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated may be allowed to enter the US with a valid visa, depending on their country of origin and the US university's policy. However, they may be subject to quarantine requirements and other restrictions.

International students who are unvaccinated or unable to obtain full vaccination before arriving in the US due to shortages in their home countries may be allowed entry, but they must comply with specific requirements. These requirements may include:

• A mandatory quarantine period, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days, upon arrival. During this time, students must stay at home and avoid attending classes, work, or social events. Essential tasks, such as obtaining food or banking, are permitted.
• Regular COVID-19 testing, which may be required several times a week, depending on the university's policy.
• Surveillance testing: Unvaccinated students may be required to undergo regular surveillance testing to access campus facilities.
• Online orientation: Some universities may offer a virtual orientation experience for students who are still in quarantine during the new international student orientation.
• Other restrictions: Unvaccinated individuals may face limitations on accessing government, corporate, and university facilities. There may also be restrictions on dining in restaurants and using public transportation.

It is important to note that quarantine requirements and other restrictions for unvaccinated international students may vary by university, state, and local guidelines. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific policies of the university and the state to which you are travelling. Additionally, students should be prepared for potential changes in quarantine procedures and adapt to the latest guidelines.

Remote learning options for unvaccinated international students

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about several changes to the way education is delivered. Many US universities have adapted to help international students with their applications, offering advice on social media livestreams, assisting with visa documents, and accepting electronic school transcripts.

Some US colleges and universities are assisting unvaccinated international students in obtaining an FDA-approved vaccine once they arrive on campus. Students who have been partially vaccinated or have received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not FDA or WHO approved may need to be revaccinated, depending on the school.

International students who are unvaccinated may be able to request remote learning, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some universities will allow in-person learning for unvaccinated students as long as they follow school policies, such as regular surveillance testing.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced that international students on F1, M, or J1 student visas may engage in distance learning for the 2021-22 academic year. However, it is important to note that students on F1 or M student visas must attend a school with some in-person learning, or they will need to transfer to a school with in-person learning or leave the country.

US universities assisting unvaccinated international students

US universities have been assisting unvaccinated international students in various ways. Firstly, they have been offering guidance on social media livestreams, helping with visa documents, and accepting electronic school transcripts. This is particularly important for unvaccinated international students who may face challenges in securing visa appointments or meeting country-specific vaccination requirements for travel.

Some universities, such as Florida Tech, allow unvaccinated international students to request remote learning if they are unable to attend in-person classes due to visa issues, travel restrictions, or personal health reasons. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Other universities, like Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, New York University, Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and the University of Chicago, are assisting unvaccinated international students in obtaining an FDA-approved vaccine once they arrive on campus. This is because partially vaccinated or vaccinated with a non-FDA/WHO-approved vaccine may need to be revaccinated per CDC guidelines.

Additionally, universities like Iowa State University have quarantine procedures in place for new international students, offering a virtual orientation for those still in quarantine during the new student orientation. Some universities, like USC, allow unvaccinated students to comply with campus policy through regular surveillance testing, with more frequent testing required for undergraduates.

While there is no country-wide vaccine mandate in the US, many universities have implemented vaccine passport requirements for students returning to campus, including Northwestern University, Harvard University, Cornell University, and Princeton University. These vaccine passports can be obtained through specific apps, depending on the state. International students have expressed a preference for universities with vaccine mandates, as it provides a sense of safety and assurance regarding the university's handling of the pandemic.

US vaccination rates and their impact on international students

International students are vital contributors to the US economy, with impacts extending beyond their educational institutions. Their spending supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and provides essential revenue to universities, underscoring their importance to the overall economic health of the country. International students also contribute to the cultural diversity of US campuses and bring a range of perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning environment for all students.

US vaccination rates have had a significant impact on international students' ability to enter the country and enrol in US universities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many US colleges and universities implemented vaccination policies requiring all students, including international students, to be vaccinated. International students who were unable to get vaccinated in their home countries or who had received vaccines not approved by the FDA or WHO may have faced challenges enrolling in US universities. Some universities assisted unvaccinated international students in obtaining FDA-approved vaccines upon arrival, while others offered remote learning options for those unable to travel due to vaccine requirements.

The vaccination rates in the US also influenced travel restrictions and quarantine procedures for incoming international students. Students arriving from countries with lower vaccination rates or affected by pandemic-related travel bans may have faced additional challenges. They had to navigate visa requirements, travel restrictions, and potential quarantine procedures upon arrival. The specific requirements varied by state and university, and international students had to stay informed about the changing guidelines to ensure a smooth transition to studying in the US.

The impact of US vaccination rates on international students extended beyond their initial entry into the country. The economic contributions of international students are significant, and a decrease in their enrolment can have financial implications for universities and the broader economy. Lower vaccination rates may have contributed to enrolment declines, affecting the financial health of educational institutions and the economic sectors that benefit from international student spending, such as housing, food, transportation, and retail.

Overall, US vaccination rates have had a direct impact on international students' ability to enrol in US universities and contributed to the broader economic landscape that international students influence through their tuition fees and living expenses. The interplay between vaccination policies, travel restrictions, and the economic value of international students has shaped the landscape of higher education in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Frequently asked questions