COVID-19 Vaccine FAQS

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQS

GENERAL FAQS

 What is Dartmouth's COVID-19 vaccine policy?

Students, faculty, and staff are required to receive all recommended doses in their primary COVID-19 vaccine series, and one booster dose when eligible, or have an approved exemption. Students must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption before beginning their study or work at Dartmouth. Faculty and staff must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption within 30 days of their hire date at Dartmouth. Students, faculty, and staff who become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine while at Dartmouth must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption within 30 days of becoming eligible.

Accepted COVID-19 vaccines are those that received full approval or emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or those that received or are undergoing assessment for emergency use listing (PDF) by the World Health Organization.

In addition to Dartmouth's COVID-19 vaccine policy, Dartmouth strongly recommends that students, faculty, and staff stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. Please review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 vaccine guidance for information on vaccine eligibility and recommendations.

What does it mean to be "fully vaccinated" for COVID-19?

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their final dose in their primary COVID-19 vaccine series.

What does it mean to have "up to date" COVID-19 vaccination?

A person is "up to date" with their COVID-19 vaccinations when they have completed a primary COVID-19 vaccine series AND any booster shots they are eligible for and recommended to receive. The CDC has information about staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including boosters.

What are the acceptable types of proof of vaccination?

If you were immunized in the United States, the CDC vaccination card is the primary source of acceptable proof of vaccination. Other acceptable sources may include formal documentation from your healthcare provider or state or local department of health. All documentation must include your name, date of birth, vaccine manufacturer, number of doses and date received, vaccine lot number, and site of administration.

For Current Students: Please remember to submit your vaccination to Dartmouth's Health Portal or forward documentation of your completed vaccination to medical.records@dartmouth.edu. Please note it may take up to 3 days business days for your COVID-19 records to be updated. Remember to sign your Student Vaccination Consent/Release form on your Health Portal so that your vaccination status may be shared with Dartmouth.

For Incoming Students: Please visit https://students.dartmouth.edu/health-service/medical-records/incoming-student-requirements and choose the appropriate class (Graduate, Undergraduate, or Geisel). Instructions for sending in your COVID-19 vaccine requirements as well as contact information for any questions will be listed there.

Persons who were vaccinated outside the United States with a non-CDC/WHO–approved vaccine may be offered revaccination with an authorized vaccine at a minimum interval of 28 days since the last dose of the non-authorized vaccine; however, this is not a requirement and no safety or efficacy data are available.

Please call for additional nursing guidance at 603-646-9440 or schedule an appointment with a Dartmouth College Health Service provider to review options for additional immunizations.

We expect that guidelines for those receiving international COVID-19 vaccines will continue to evolve and we encourage those affected to be on the lookout for new advice from the CDC and NH Department of Health.

What if I lose my vaccine documentation?

The CDC vaccination card you received is the best means to show you have been vaccinated. Keep it in a safe place and consider taking a picture of each side of the card for future reference. For any additional documentation, contact the healthcare provider who administered the vaccine. Most states require that vaccine providers keep records on paper or in a database. If you are unable to get documentation from the provider, contact your state board of health for assistance.

Will we offer COVID-19 vaccine at Dartmouth?

Dartmouth typically hosts COVID-19 vaccine clinics on campus at the start of each term. Information on Dartmouth-hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be posted on the Dartmouth Together COVID-19 website and in VOX Daily.

There are many local opportunities for COVID-19 vaccine, including sites within walking distance from campus.

We encourage all students to get vaccinated as soon as they can, whether they live internationally or in the US, and we can support students who need to be vaccinated due to lack of access to vaccines.

COVID-19 VACCINE EXEMPTION FAQS

How do I request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons?

Medical exemptions require a letter from your primary care or specialty care provider (who cannot be a family member). Please submit these letters to Medical.Records@Dartmouth.edu. If the documentation is not sufficient to justify an exemption from vaccination, the Dartmouth College Health Service staff reserve the right to request additional documentation, or consultation with additional health care providers. The determination of whether or not an exemption from vaccination is granted rests solely with the staff of Dartmouth College Health Service.   

Religious exemptions require a letter written by the student describing the basis for their religious exemption request. Please submit these letters to Medical.Records@Dartmouth.edu.

If I receive an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons, will this affect my ability to participate in Dartmouth-sponsored activities?

"Dartmouth-sponsored activities" encompasses a vast array of activities, programs and events, and includes activities that are hosted and controlled by third-parties around the world, as well as those organized by Dartmouth at its campus facilities. Applicable health guidelines at Dartmouth and elsewhere continue to evolve in response to available medical data and public health priorities. In certain instances, such guidelines here or elsewhere may prevent unvaccinated persons from participating in certain programs or events, or may limit their access to venues or locations. In other instances, participation may be allowed but require unvaccinated persons to undergo virus testing or follow enhanced social distancing or personal protective equipment requirements. Dartmouth can make no assurance that guidelines applicable to Dartmouth-sponsored activities will permit unvaccinated persons to participate on the same basis and to the same extent as persons who present valid proof of their vaccinated status.

Dartmouth travel including athletics may require additional testing depending on the program and destination requirements.

Dartmouth will provide reasonable accommodations within Dartmouth-controlled spaces consistent with and as required by law. Students seeking services should contact Student Accessibility Services.

COVID-19 BOOSTER FAQS

Am I required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot?

Students, faculty, and staff are required to receive all recommended doses in their primary COVID-19 vaccine series, and one booster dose when eligible, or have an approved exemption. Students must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption before beginning their study or work at Dartmouth. Faculty and staff must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption within 30 days of their hire date at Dartmouth. Students, faculty, and staff who become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine while at Dartmouth must submit documentation of vaccination or an approved exemption within 30 days of becoming eligible.

Accepted COVID-19 vaccines are those that received full approval or emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or those that received or are undergoing assessment for emergency use listing (PDF) by the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 vaccine exemptions previously granted by Dartmouth may also exempt students from the booster requirement, depending on the terms of those exemptions. Students who were previously approved by Dartmouth for an exemption from the vaccination requirement will be contacted if they need to re-apply. Those whose medical circumstances have changed and have questions regarding exemptions should contact Dartmouth College Health Service.

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot? Which one should I get?

Please refer to the CDC's website for information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and recommendations including boosters. If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider. Students can contact nursing at 603-646-9440 or schedule an appointment with a Dartmouth College Health Service provider to discuss.

How do I submit my booster shot record?

Students should submit evidence of their booster shot record to medical.records.@dartmouth.edu

If a student was immunized in the United States, the CDC vaccination card is the primary source of acceptable proof of vaccination. Other acceptable sources may include formal documentation from your health-care provider or state or local department of health. All documentation must include the student's name, date of birth, vaccine manufacturer, number of doses and date received, vaccine lot number, and site of administration.

Dartmouth is currently accepting COVID-19 vaccines that received full approval or emergency use authorization by the FDA or those that received or are undergoing assessment for emergency-use listing (PDF) by the World Health Organization. Students should submit records of any COVID-19 vaccine they have received. The documentation should include the equivalent information as outlined above.