This message was sent to current study abroad students and students who will be new to Wake Forest in the spring semester.

Dear student,

We’re glad that you will be joining us for classes at Wake Forest.

This message is to inform you that Wake Forest policy requires that all students taking classes in person be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza.

You should provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 and influenza as soon as possible and before arriving on campus. Students who fail to provide proof of vaccinations will not be allowed to move into University-assigned housing and, on Jan. 10, 2022, they will be unenrolled from spring courses and removed from housing assignments (if applicable). The University cannot guarantee that you will be able to re-enroll in the same courses or receive the same housing assignment once removed. If you are an international student, please note that withdrawal of your courses will negatively impact your visa status.

Immunizations

New students are also required by North Carolina state law to provide documentation of state-mandated immunizations (such as measles, mumps; see full list) prior to registration. You may provide documentation of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccination on the required Health Information and Immunization Form (HIIF). If the influenza and COVID-19 vaccination documentation is provided by submitting this form, no further documentation is necessary.

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination opportunities are available in all communities in the United States — check your local county health department, Walgreens, CVS and other sources. In Winston-Salem, off-campus vaccination opportunities are available with Forsyth County Public Health Department, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Novant Health, Walgreens, CVS and other sources.

You must take one of two actions:

  • Submit your documentation providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine; OR
  • Submit a request for a medical or religious exemption, which is specific to the COVID-19 vaccine. Note that a medical exemption request requires your doctor to provide a detailed explanation of why you should be exempt; please give your doctor’s office sufficient time to complete the form. Please also allow enough time for our medical director to review and approve any exemption requests. Please note that Student Health Service will be closed for winter break from Dec. 20, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022.

NOTE: If you have only received the first dose of Pfizer/Moderna at this time, please submit documentation of the first dose. You will be required to complete and submit documentation of the second dose by the medically approved date (21 days after first dose for Pfizer, 28 days after first dose for Moderna).

Influenza Vaccination

Influenza vaccinations are available at a doctor’s office, pharmacy or other providers. In Winston-Salem, the vaccine is available at Student Health Service and off-campus vaccination opportunities are available with Forsyth County Public Health Department, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Novant Health, Walgreens, CVS and other sources.

You must take one of two actions:

  • Follow the Upload Documentation process in the Student Health Portal (choose “Upload Documentation” and then “Documentation of Influenza Vaccine”). Depending on where you get your vaccine, you may need to pay for your vaccine and file your own insurance, or they may file insurance for you; OR
  • Submit a medical or religious exemption form, which is specific to the influenza vaccine. Note that a medical exemption request requires your doctor to provide a detailed explanation of why you should be exempt; please give your doctor’s office sufficient time to complete the form. Please also allow enough time for our medical director to review and approve any exemption requests. Religious exemption requests must include your signature. Please note that Student Health Service will be closed for winter break from Dec. 20, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022.

Submission Review

Please submit documentation through the Student Health Portal as soon as possible so that it can be reviewed and approved before the deadline. Please log into the Student Health Portal to view secure messaging and check the status of your documentation. If your submission is not approved, you will receive a secure message in your Student Health Service portal. Submitting your documentation early will allow Student Health time to review it before the deadline.

Loss of Enrollment Status, Assigned Housing

If you are withdrawn for failure to comply with the COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccination requirements, you will be subject to the University’s refund policy for withdrawal, you will not be able to receive financial aid, and you will lose any federal work-study assignments. If you are an international student, please note that withdrawal from your courses will negatively impact your visa status.

University COVID-19 Protocols

You are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine two weeks after the dose of Johnson & Johnson or two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer/Moderna. If you are not fully vaccinated (including if you have an exemption), you must follow University protocols:

  • You are required to wear face coverings at all times when indoors except in your residence hall room.
  • You must submit to regular, weekly asymptomatic testing starting the first week of classes. You will receive an email to schedule. Testing will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week during the semester.
  • You will be required to quarantine per University policy if exposed to a COVID-positive person. (Note: All students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate themselves regardless of vaccination status.)
  • If you have a job on campus, this masking requirement also applies in the workplace. Student employees who do not comply in the workplace will be subject to corrective action.

Students who fail to comply with these items will be referred to the Dean of Students of their respective School.

Information for International Students Traveling from Abroad

Wake Forest will assist students who need to receive a COVID-19 and/or Influenza vaccine if they have been unable to obtain either or both vaccines in their home area or have received a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by the FDA. Email the Student COVID-19 Office at studentcovidoffice@wfu.edu stating that you intend to comply and the date you will arrive in the United States. Communicate any medical questions related to the vaccine to shs@wfu.edu.

If you have other questions, please submit them through the Our Way Forward website.

If you believe you received this email in error, please reply to this email with your reasoning.

Thank you in advance for taking the steps needed to prioritize health and safety.

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