International Students And Covid Vaccines: Who's Eligible?

can international students get covid vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted international students' ability to pursue higher education abroad. However, the availability of vaccines has encouraged many international students to bring forward their plans to study overseas. International students' access to COVID-19 vaccines varies depending on their host country. For instance, in the United States, international students' eligibility for vaccination is generally on par with that of domestic students, although specific requirements and procedures may differ across states and institutions. In the United Kingdom, the NHS offers free COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone aged 18 or older, regardless of nationality or immigration status, ensuring that international students can access the vaccine.

Characteristics Values
International students' eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine In the US, international students are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
International students' access to COVID-19 vaccine International students can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in their host country, such as the US and the UK, or their home country.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccine on international students The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine has encouraged some international students to bring forward their plans to study abroad, while others feel relieved that the option to get vaccinated is available.
COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international students Some colleges and universities in the US, such as Yale, require or strongly encourage international students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine appointment booking for international students International students can book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments through their university or local health service, such as the NHS in the UK.

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International students can get the COVID-19 vaccine in the US

However, the type of vaccine that is accepted varies across colleges. While the US accepts 2 doses of any "mix-and-match" WHO-listed vaccine combination for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers to enter the country, NYU does not accept students' documentation with mix-and-match vaccines for their primary series. Students who have received a non-FDA-authorized or WHO-listed vaccine will be granted a temporary exemption until it is safe for them to get an NYU-accepted vaccine. Other colleges, such as Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and the University of Chicago, require international students who have not received an FDA- or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine by the time fall classes begin to be revaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for use in the US once they arrive on campus.

International students can check their eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccination by contacting the department of health in their city or county. They can also find free vaccination sites through this method. As of 2021, vaccines in the US were only available for designated groups as determined by the state of residence.

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International students can get the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK

International students in the UK who are yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 may receive the vaccine quicker in the UK than in their home country. The COVID-19 vaccination is now being offered to everyone aged 18 or over in the UK for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. To be eligible for the vaccine, international students are encouraged to register with a National Health Service (NHS) doctor (General Practitioner or GP). This will enable students to get general healthcare as well as the COVID-19 vaccination. Once they have an NHS number, they can request a COVID-19 vaccination appointment via the NHS website. If an international student is not registered with a GP, they will not be proactively contacted by a local NHS service for the vaccine. They would be required to book their vaccination appointments themselves as an unregistered patient through the University Medical Centre or a local GP practice.

The UK government has opened many vaccination centres across towns and cities, and students can also opt for walk-in appointments at certain centres. The University of Huddersfield, for instance, sent emails to each of their students, mentioning the way to book a slot as well as walk-in centres. The University of Sheffield also shared details of an NHS walk-in centre that was providing COVID-19 vaccinations for people over the age of 18.

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International students can get the COVID-19 vaccine in India

For Indian students travelling abroad, the Indian government has introduced special provisions to ensure students can arrive at their study destinations on time. This includes setting up vaccination camps and reducing the gap between two doses of Covishield, the only WHO-approved vaccine available in India. However, some countries like the US have their own approved lists of vaccines, which may not include Covishield, causing issues for Indian students.

On the other hand, international students studying in India, particularly in the UK, can access the COVID-19 vaccine for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. The UK government has expressed its commitment to supporting international students during the pandemic, with universities minister Michelle Donelan writing an open letter to students. International students in the UK can book their vaccination appointments as unregistered patients through a local GP or University Medical Centre, or they may choose to register with a GP beforehand.

Therefore, while international students can get the COVID-19 vaccine in India, the specific circumstances and requirements may vary depending on the student's destination country and their own nationality. It is important for students to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements for their specific situation.

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International students don't need to delay their vaccine to come to the US

International students do not need to delay their vaccine to come to the US. In fact, the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has encouraged many international students to bring forward their plans to study in the US. According to a QS survey, nearly a quarter of international students (21%) have said that they want to advance their plans to study abroad.

International students can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the US, and their international status will not affect their eligibility. For example, at Yale, international students can receive their vaccination through the Yale COVID-19 Vaccine Program. Students need their Yale net ID to self-schedule a vaccine appointment. Similarly, at BYU, international students are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and their vaccination status will not be affected by their country of origin.

Some international students have expressed anxiety about travelling to the US unvaccinated. Yutika Khemka, an incoming UC Irvine student from India, said that given the vaccine shortage in her country, she would take whatever vaccine is available to her. She is more anxious about flying halfway across the world unvaccinated. However, the US Embassy and consulates in India were shut down until mid-May, and she likely won't be able to get a visa appointment until August, just a few weeks before she's supposed to start classes.

International students who have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine abroad should receive the same vaccine for the second dose if it is available in the US. If the vaccine is different, they should contact a GP to ensure they receive an appropriate vaccine for the second dose.

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International students can get the COVID-19 vaccine at Yale

International students and scholars who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in their home country can receive their vaccination through the Yale COVID-19 Vaccine Program. They will need their Yale net ID to self-schedule a vaccine appointment.

International students who have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine in another country can receive their second dose at Yale. Yale will accept any combination of COVID-19 vaccines that have received full approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA or have been issued Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the WHO.

Yale strongly encourages all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to receive all COVID-19 vaccinations that are recommended by the CDC and for which they are eligible. Students can submit their COVID-19 vaccination record to the university.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international students can get the COVID-19 vaccine. In the UK, the COVID-19 vaccination is offered to everyone aged 18 and over for free, regardless of nationality or immigration status. In the US, international students are considered part of the overall 'student' category and are able to access vaccines.

Yes, Yale assists international students with vaccination upon arrival in New Haven. Students can self-schedule a vaccine appointment through the Yale COVID-19 Vaccine Program using their Yale net ID.

If an international student has received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine abroad that is also available in their current country, they should receive the same vaccine for the second dose. If the vaccine is different, they should contact a GP to ensure they receive an appropriate vaccine for the second dose.

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