The University of Michigan is urging students on its Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses to submit their COVID-19 vaccination information so it can be collected as vaccines become more widely available.

At this time, the university is not collecting information regarding employee vaccination status. 

Students are asked to self-report their vaccination information, which will be used by campus officials to make public-health-informed decisions in relation to student experiences on campus and within the residence halls. It also will aid in granting exemptions from testing and quarantine requirements.

“Understanding what portion of our student community is vaccinated is an important step toward planning for more in-person experiences on campus. This key information will also be used to provide exemptions from testing and possibly quarantine requirements,” said Robert Ernst, associate vice president of student life for health and wellness, and executive director of University Health Service

Earlier last week, the university partnered with Kroger and Meijer to offer more than 4,100 appointments to the U-M community to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. As of April 15, more than 1,500 students have received their first dose through these partnership clinics with additional appointments occurring April 16.  These students are expected to get their second dose in early May and will meet the criteria for submitting their information. 

Following their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, students are directed to complete a brief survey — accessible from the COVID-19 resources on Wolverine Access — and upload an image of their COVID-19 vaccination card or the appropriate documentation from a medical professional confirming vaccination. The submitted information will then go through a verification process that will be completed within five business days.

Other COVID-19-related resources on Wolverine Access for students and employees include the ResponsiBLUE screening check and links to sign up for asymptomatic testing and reporting positive COVID-19 test results. A student is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of a two-dose vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen).

Fully vaccinated students who submit their information will be granted an exemption from mandatory testing requirements for the spring and summer terms. Fully vaccinated students who remain symptom-free also will not be required to quarantine following a close-contact exposure to COVID-19, which follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Students are encouraged to report any COVID-19 vaccine type they have received. However, the university’s Campus Health Response Committee will only recognize those that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including those approved under the Emergency Use Authorization, for exemptions.

Currently, the vaccines authorized under the EUA process are the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and the one-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. Out of an abundance of caution, on April 13, the CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, as they investigate reports that six persons vaccinated developed a rare and severe type of blood clot.

Students who would like to request an exemption from weekly mandatory testing for reasons unrelated to vaccination status should complete the spring/summer exemption request form that can also be accessed through Wolverine Access.

Tags:

• COVID testing
• COVID-19
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Student Life
• vaccination data