Lori Meadows
International students across the world have had to navigate a host of issues to make it to campus, one of them being vaccination requirements. While some countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa are actively encouraging international students to get vaccinated, the rules and requirements vary across different universities in the US, leading to confusion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in Australia | Can get vaccinated for free |
| International students in the US | Can get vaccinated, but each school decides on its own rules |
| International students in Canada | Need to quarantine and get vaccinated |
| International students in South Africa | Can get vaccinated using their passport number or asylum seeker/refugee number |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Australia can get vaccinated for free
- International students in the US must be fully vaccinated
- International students in Canada are willing to get vaccinated
- International students in South Africa can get vaccinated
- International students with non-FDA-authorized vaccines may need re-vaccination
International students in Australia can get vaccinated for free
To receive the vaccine, international students will need to answer some health questions and make a reservation on the platform. After receiving the vaccine, students are advised to apply for an Individualized Healthcare Identifier (IHI). The IHI enables accurate recording and tracking of immunizations and provides access to an Immunization History Statement, which serves as proof of vaccination. This proof is essential, and students are expected to maintain records of their vaccination history, including their name, date of vaccination, and vaccine brand.
While awaiting vaccination, international students should adhere to the government's guidelines on good hygiene, physical distancing, limited public gatherings, and understanding isolation procedures if necessary. Students are also advised to keep their Medicare details up to date and stay informed about the latest government advice through the National Coronavirus Helpline.
It is worth noting that vaccination in Australia is voluntary, and individuals can choose whether or not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, being vaccinated offers several benefits, including reduced long-term symptoms after contracting COVID-19 and a lower likelihood of reinfection compared to unvaccinated individuals. Additionally, from December 15, 2021, fully vaccinated international students were exempt from seeking travel exemptions when entering Australia.
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International students in the US must be fully vaccinated
International students at Brown University who have received a non-FDA-authorized vaccine are advised to get an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine upon arrival. The CDC has acknowledged that no data is available on the safety or efficacy of receiving a US-authorized vaccine after a non-US-authorized one. However, experts say that re-vaccination does not seem to have adverse effects and may even be beneficial.
International students in the US should check the requirements of their specific college or university and plan to get vaccinated as soon as possible. They can find a clinic or vaccine finder tool on the college website or through the US or NYC vaccine finder. Students should also be prepared to provide proof of their vaccination status, such as through a vaccination history statement or the college's vaccine upload portal.
In addition to vaccination requirements, international students travelling to the US should be aware of any quarantine or other COVID-19-related entry requirements. Students should also maintain good hygiene, physical distancing, and follow limits on public gatherings to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
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International students in Canada are willing to get vaccinated
For instance, a student from China may have only had access to a Chinese vaccine, which might not be recognized by their Canadian university. This uncertainty can lead to confusion and anxiety among international students, as they navigate complex vaccination requirements.
To address this issue, some universities, such as Brown, are recommending that international students "get access to whatever vaccine they can, wherever they are, whenever they can." Upon arrival at Brown, international students who have not received an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine will be offered re-vaccination. This approach ensures that students can meet the vaccination requirements, even if they initially received a vaccine that is not recognized in Canada.
International students in Canada are generally willing to get vaccinated to protect their health and adhere to university requirements. However, the specific circumstances and vaccine availability in their home countries can create complexities that need to be addressed by universities and health authorities.
In addition, international students in Canada who are willing to get vaccinated should be aware of the potential for new COVID-19 variants that can dodge all vaccines, regardless of their country of origin. This concern underscores the importance of maintaining preventive measures, such as good hygiene and physical distancing, even after vaccination.
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International students in South Africa can get vaccinated
However, the current government strategy has not addressed vaccine inequity, and there are existing barriers to good healthcare-seeking behaviors among foreign nationals living in South Africa. For instance, there is a lack of reliable information aimed at undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, with less than 2% of the African continent vaccinated, international students may feel conflicted about getting vaccinated while their families back home do not have the same opportunity due to inequitable vaccine distribution.
Universities in South Africa are faced with the challenge of mandating vaccines. While some universities have made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory to protect the health and safety of their staff and students, others are still deciding what to do, resulting in a mix of rules and requirements.
In comparison, international students in Australia can also get vaccinated for free. They are advised to apply for an Individual Health Identifier (IHI) to record their vaccination history and use it as proof of vaccination. Fully vaccinated international students can travel to Australia without seeking a travel exemption, but they must meet other requirements, such as having a valid passport, visa, vaccination certificate, and negative PCR tests.
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International students with non-FDA-authorized vaccines may need re-vaccination
International students are often required to be vaccinated to attend universities in the United States. However, this poses a challenge for students who have only had access to non-FDA-authorized vaccines, as it is unclear if their vaccinations will be accepted by their university.
For example, a student at Brown University initially received a vaccine from China but later decided to get the Pfizer vaccine because it was unclear if Brown would accept the non-US-authorized vaccine. Each university in the US decides for itself what to do with vaccinations for international students, leading to a variety of rules and requirements.
NYU, for instance, requires students who have been vaccinated with non-FDA-authorized vaccines to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine after arriving on campus. They recommend that students complete all doses of a non-authorized vaccine at least 28 days before their arrival so that they can get re-vaccinated right away. NYU also specifies that students who do not begin re-vaccination within the specified grace period will be deemed non-compliant with the university's COVID-19 immunization requirement.
Brown University's policy on re-vaccinations follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the CDC has acknowledged that there are no data on the safety or efficacy of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the US after a non-FDA-authorized vaccine, experts say that re-vaccination with any of the available vaccines does not seem to have adverse effects and only seems to have beneficial effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get vaccinated in the US. However, each school is deciding for itself what to do with vaccinations for international students, which has led to a patchwork of rules and requirements. For example, NYU requires students to be fully vaccinated and submit their proof as soon as possible before arrival.
International students in Australia are eligible to receive the vaccine for free. Students can find a clinic where they can receive a vaccine using the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker. After answering a few questions about their health, students will then be able to make a reservation on the platform.
Yes, international students can get vaccinated in Canada. A survey found that the majority of international students (55%) revealed they will get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, suggesting that destinations that insist on vaccinations were not deterring students.
