International Students: Who Gets Vaccinated?

will international student get vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic has created several challenges for international students, including remote learning, difficulty obtaining visas, and travel restrictions. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency approval for COVID-19 vaccines, there is no global mandate for vaccination. However, some countries, like the UK, have announced that international students will be eligible for vaccinations, and universities like Stanford University have made vaccines mandatory for students on campus. In the US, international students were previously required to be fully vaccinated before boarding flights, but as of May 12, 2023, this is no longer necessary. Nevertheless, universities like NYU still expect students to be fully vaccinated and submit proof before arrival. Yale University assists international students with vaccination upon arrival and accepts various combinations of vaccines. Students should check the specific COVID-19 policies of their universities and adhere to local restrictions.

Characteristics of 'Will International Student Get Vaccine'

Characteristics Values
Vaccine accessibility Varies by country
Vaccine mandate Over 500 U.S. colleges require COVID-19 vaccination for on-campus students
Accepted vaccines Any FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccination
Proof of vaccination Required by some colleges
Quarantine procedures May be required by some colleges
Revaccination May be required for students vaccinated with non-FDA or non-WHO-approved vaccines
Booster shots May be required by some colleges

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International students in the US

Students without access to FDA or WHO-approved vaccines in their home countries will be allowed on some campuses, such as American University, but will be required to follow health and safety guidelines until they are fully vaccinated. Other universities, 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 vaccine by the time fall classes begin to be revaccinated with one of the vaccines they do accept.

Students who have been vaccinated with a non-FDA or WHO-approved vaccine may need to be revaccinated with an FDA-approved vaccine after arriving in the US. The CDC recommends waiting a minimum of 28 days before taking the first dose of an FDA-approved vaccine. Students should check the relevant government websites, including embassies, consulates, and the US Department of Homeland Security, for the latest travel updates and restrictions as they could change with little notice.

US vaccination rates are important considerations for international students, as they can affect the burden on the country's healthcare system. Students should also be aware that colleges and universities may have their own quarantine policies in place, which can vary by school.

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Getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the UK

The UK offers the COVID-19 vaccination for free to international students aged 18 or above, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. The UK government has actively expressed its commitment to support international students, ensuring they will not be forgotten as the vaccine is distributed and administered. The Pfizer or BioNTech vaccines are available to international students in the UK.

To get the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, you must first obtain an NHS number. Following that, you can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through 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 vaccination. They would be required to book their vaccination appointments themselves as an unregistered patient through the University Medical Centre or a local GP practice.

On the day of your vaccination, arrive at the vaccination centre 30 minutes before your appointment. Wear a short-sleeved t-shirt and bring your booking reservation number. A staff member will invite you in, direct you to sanitise your hands, and ask for your name and date of birth. They will give you an information sheet to read while you wait for your number to be called. After receiving your vaccination in a booth, you will be directed to a waiting area where you must remain for 15 minutes so that medical staff can monitor you for any side effects.

If you booked your vaccination through the NHS website, your first and second appointments were likely booked together. If you booked your first vaccination through your GP practice, then they will contact you about scheduling your second appointment. In the UK, your second appointment should be between 8 and 12 weeks after your first appointment.

If you are vaccinated through a UK-approved programme, you will be required to show proof of your vaccination status at the border. The UK government has created a table explaining how to prove your vaccination status depending on where you received your vaccine. To enter a nightclub or attend a large event in the UK, you may be asked for an NHS Covid-19 pass, which can be downloaded via the NHS app.

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Quarantine procedures

When it comes to the quarantine procedures that international students may face, these can vary depending on the country and educational institution in question. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to follow:

United States:

In the United States, international students travelling to the country for their studies should be prepared to follow any Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quarantine guidelines upon arrival. In addition, individual colleges and universities may have their own specific quarantine policies in place, so it is important for students to understand the policies of their respective educational institutions. For example, Iowa State University states that incoming international students "may be asked to quarantine or practice increased safety precautions for up to a week after arrival." Similarly, the University of California–Riverside anticipates that unvaccinated international students will "sequester with COVID-19 testing in place," only leaving for essential tasks while adhering to safety protocols such as wearing face masks and social distancing.

Australia:

International students travelling to Australia should be aware of the country's quarantine procedures. Regardless of vaccination status, students will be required to enter quarantine upon arrival. For instance, students returning to Sydney must provide a negative COVID-19 test before departure and be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved vaccine. Even vaccinated individuals may still be subject to modified quarantine and testing procedures. Prior to arrival, students must complete a travel declaration form at least 72 hours before departure. This assists the Australian Government in organising quarantine arrangements and contact tracing. The quarantine period typically lasts for 14 days, during which individuals may be tested for COVID-19 within the first 48 hours and again between days 10 to 12. Those who test positive will receive medical care in a hospital.

Malaysia:

International students travelling to Malaysia should be prepared to follow the country's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the management of COVID-19. Students will undergo multiple COVID-19 RT-PCR screenings, including upon arrival at international entry points and on the 10th day of quarantine. Students are required to monitor their health status using the MySejahtera application and must notify the medical team if symptoms occur. Throughout the quarantine period, individuals must remain in their assigned quarantine stations and comply with all prescribed SOPs, laws, and regulations. Upon completion of the quarantine, students will undergo another COVID-19 RT-PCR test and will be released from the quarantine station if the result is negative.

Hawaii:

International students travelling to Hawaii should be aware of the state's specific requirements. While there are no additional State of Hawaiʻi requirements for passengers flying directly into Hawaiʻi from an international destination, students must still comply with screening procedures prior to their departure to the United States. To bypass the mandatory 10-day quarantine in Hawaii, travellers can participate in the Safe Travels program, which requires providing a negative pre-travel test from a Trusted Testing and Travel Partner. As of December 6, 2021, noncitizens and nonimmigrants must also show proof of completed vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of departure.

It is important to note that quarantine procedures and vaccination policies can change, so students should stay updated with the latest guidelines from their destination countries and educational institutions.

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Vaccine mandates

Over 500 colleges and universities in the United States require COVID-19 vaccination for on-campus students. Most schools will accept any FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccination. However, students who have received non-FDA or non-WHO-approved vaccines may need to be revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine after arriving on campus. For example, NYU requires students to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine at least 28 days after their last dose of a non-FDA-authorized vaccine.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, many colleges also require students to be vaccinated against other viral diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella. For example, Texas law mandates that all entering students at the University of Texas who are 21 or younger must receive the bacterial meningitis vaccine. International students should refer to the specific requirements of their chosen institution to ensure they are compliant.

Students who are unable to receive the vaccines due to medical reasons or religious beliefs may be exempt from vaccine mandates. However, proper communication between students and institutions is essential to ensure that guidelines are clear and accessible.

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Proof of vaccination

International students are expected to be fully vaccinated and submit their proof of vaccination before arrival at their educational institution. Each educational institution has its own set of quarantine policies, vaccination requirements, and instructions that on-campus students must follow prior to arrival. Students who are unsure about the policies of their educational institutions should contact them immediately.

The proof of vaccination document becomes valid only when it can be trusted. The document must be obtained from a state or local health authority, a school that the student previously attended, a healthcare provider, or a pharmacy note that includes the student's name, the vaccine name or abbreviation, and the date it was administered. A healthcare provider's statement that a lab was positive or antibody present is not acceptable. The student's full name, antibody levels, and the interpretation that the antibody levels indicate immunity are also required.

In Canada, each province issues its own unique vaccine passport. Some provinces, like Ontario and Quebec, have developed an app for their residents, while British Columbia requires a screenshot of a unique QR code. The federal vaccine passport, on the other hand, is a printed document that is more reliable for foreign travel. It is important to carry a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, health card, or passport, along with the proof of vaccination.

In the United States, the CDC publishes the vaccination requirements and immigration medical examination instructions. A civil surgeon reviews the vaccination records during the immigration medical examination and administers the vaccines as needed. Students can also obtain the required vaccines from their private healthcare provider but must return to the civil surgeon with proof of vaccination.

Frequently asked questions

As of May 12, 2023, international students no longer need to show proof of vaccination to board a flight to the US. However, some universities may still require vaccination as an immunization requirement, so it is important to check with your specific institution.

International students need to show proof of vaccination status at the UK border. However, the UK has announced that international students will be given access to vaccines, free of cost, based on availability.

There is currently no country-wide mandate on vaccines in Canada. However, some universities have mandated vaccines for students to enter campus, so it is important to check before travelling.

Currently, there is no information on whether international students need to be vaccinated to enter Australia. However, international students can travel to Australia's neighbouring country, New Zealand, as long as they have proof of vaccination.

If you are unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine in your home country, you can arrange to be vaccinated upon arrival at your destination. For example, international students at Yale can receive their vaccination in New Haven, and NYU has a vaccine clinic for students who were unable to access vaccines previously.

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