COVID-19 Vaccinations

Back Together graphic with bandaid Eastern Mennonite University is requiring that all students attending classes in-person on our main campus in Harrisonburg, Va., show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 before arriving on campus or beginning classes for the fall semester 2021, or to file a valid waiver on medical, religious or philosophical grounds.

See vaccination FAQs

Last year, we asked students, faculty and staff to protect each other and the community with strict adherence to masking and social distancing. We’re so grateful that this year we have another option to keep our community safe.

Vaccines have been shown effective at preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. They have also been shown to be effective against variants. They are now widely available at no cost. EMU already asks students to show proof of vaccination for many other health conditions, to which the COVID vaccine has been added.

Consider these benefits if the majority of our campus community are vaccinated:

Overall shifts in mental health attitudes away from anxiety and fear
More opportunities to share space safely and in a more “normal” way
More freedom from masking and social distancing protocols
Fewer disruptions to dining services and other campus operations
Less risk of potential disruption to academic activities
Increased in-person events (concerts, athletic events, etc.), meetings, and social gatherings
Fewer restrictions for athletes in practice and competitions
Fewer restrictions to travel on and off campus
Less need to quarantine-in-place prior to leaving campus for breaks and at the end of the semester to protect those you will come into contact with.

The requirement will lower the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus, lessen potential health-related disruptions to our living and learning environment, and help us return more quickly to college life as we have come to expect it and value it at EMU.

Even with a large percentage of our campus community vaccinated, we recognize that masking and social distancing policies and other public health protocols may be necessary. Still, if most of those we are coming into contact with have been vaccinated, that substantially lowers our collective risk and allows us more flexibility in how we respond to COVID-19 this fall.

We understand you may have questions about what the fall semester looks like or about the vaccine in particular. Please continue below for resources and more information related specifically to vaccines.

Our main FAQ page, which contains this information and more, is at www.emu.edu/coronavirus.

Resources

Vaccination FAQs

How do I get a vaccine?

To locate vaccine availability where you live, follow this link to a CDC webpage that searches by zipcode.

If you live in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health has a website to register for vaccination.
How do I share my vaccination status with EMU?

Notification of vaccination status will be required through EMU Health Services by August 2.

Copies of vaccination cards to update your EMU health record can be emailed to covidhotline@emu.edu or https://emu.medicatconnect. com/.
When do I need to be vaccinated by?

Students who will attend in-person classes on the Harrisonburg campus must share your proof of vaccination by August 2. To be considered fully vaccinated you will need to obtain your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccination or your shot of the J&J vaccine at least two weeks prior to coming to campus.
What happens if a residential student misses the vaccination deadline or is not completely vaccinated by the time he/she moves onto campus?

You will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.

If you intend to get vaccinated, we will help you find a vaccination clinic.
If I choose not to get the vaccine, can I still live on campus?

You must fill out a waiver and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of entering campus.
Will I need to be vaccinated in order to participate in athletics?

Athletes will either need to be vaccinated or will be required to participate in regular testing for COVID-19.

In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19, isolation and quarantine protocol will be in place for athletes who are not vaccinated.
Who will see my vaccination status?

Your vaccination information will be a part of your electronic medical record in Health Services and will only be made available to those you have given permission to have access to your medical record.
I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to be vaccinated?

Studies have shown that you do develop immunity after having had COVID-19 but the degree of immunity varies from person to person. To ensure adequate protection, obtaining the COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended by the CDC.
How do I get a waiver for vaccinations?

If you choose to obtain an exemption, a waiver is required.

Here is the link to our waiver form and instructions: https://emu.edu/studentlife/health/docs/vaccine-waiver.pdf
What happens if a residential student gets sick during the semester with COVID?

EMU will provide isolation space for residential students and provide the services those students need for the required isolation period.
What is your policy about rooming with an unvaccinated person?

We are working out details of housing for 2021-22 and plan to have an answer to this question soon.
If I don’t get the vaccine, are there certain programs I can’t participate in?

Showing a proof of vaccination may be a requirement to participate in off-campus experiences such as practica, internships, and mentorships. In some cases, these experiences are required by pre-professional programs (for example, nursing, social work and education all require interaction with external partners at off-campus sites).

Some cross-cultural programs must conform to international travel and in-country restrictions, which now include vaccination for COVID-19 in addition to other required or recommended vaccinations and immunizations.

We plan to work with each individual student.
Does EMU recommend a booster shot?

The COVID booster shot is strongly encouraged for all students and employees; submit photos of your updated vaccine card to covidhotline@emu.edu