Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: Oct. 12, 2022

• Are current students required to get the fall 2022 COVID-19 booster?

  No. All students who are required to provide documentation of state-mandated vaccinations are also required to complete the initial COVID-19 vaccine series (the minimum recommended dose plus one Moderna or Pfizer booster) prior to enrolling at Wake Forest, unless they receive a University-approved medical or religious exemption. The University strongly recommends students continue receiving updated boosters as they become available in order to maximize individual and community immunity against the virus.

• Are faculty and staff required to get the fall 2022 COVID-19 booster?

  New employees who have not completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series by their start date must either complete the initial dose of the series within three days of their hire date or receive a University-approved religious or medical exemption. Employees who have completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series but have not received a booster will need to be boosted at the end of the month following the month in which they become eligible for the booster shot. 

  Current Wake Forest employees who are in compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination requirement are not required to receive the fall 2022 COVID-19 booster; however, the University strongly recommends all employees continue to receive updated boosters as they become available in order to maximize individual and community immunity against the virus. 

• If I have received a previous booster of the COVID-19 vaccine, can I still receive an updated fall booster?

  The CDC currently recommends receiving the updated fall booster if it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine. Please consult with your healthcare provider.

• Does the University still require faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

  Yes. All current students and employees have either verified their vaccination status or received an approved exemption. Incoming employees and students (except for those in online-only or weekend/evening programs) are required to verify their completion of an approved COVID-19 vaccine or receive an approved exemption. Vaccination includes completing the initial COVID-19 vaccine series – the minimum recommended dose plus one Moderna or Pfizer booster. 

• What are the desired outcomes of requiring the COVID-19 vaccine?

  As a result of our decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine series and an additional booster during the 2021-2022 year, our University community established a level of immunity that decreased the likelihood of individuals experiencing significant effects from a COVID-19 infection, such as hospitalization, as well as the number of individuals with symptomatic infection or exposure. Symptomatic COVID-19 and flu infections often result in significant disruptions to students’ academic and social activities, as well as university operations. These outcomes are significantly mitigated by vaccination. Three shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine markedly increase protection from symptomatic Omicron infection compared to having just received an initial 2 shot series. The fall 2022 COVID booster targets the current circulating Omicron sub-variants. Again, all community members are strongly encouraged to receive this booster this fall prior to the beginning of cold and flu season, even if previously boosted.

• I am an incoming student. How will the University verify that I am vaccinated?

  The University requires incoming students (except those who qualify for an exemption under state law) to verify they have begun or completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series or establish a Wake Forest-approved medical or religious exemption. A vaccine series includes the minimum recommended dose plus one Moderna or Pfizer booster. More information about required vaccines and the verification process can be found here. Incoming students will receive information in May 2023 about vaccine documentation.

• I am an incoming new employee. How will the University verify that I am vaccinated?

  The University requires new employees to verify they have completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series, or establish a Wake Forest-approved medical or religious exemption, before their enrollment or start of employment. A vaccine series includes the minimum recommended dose plus one Moderna or Pfizer booster. Human Resources will provide information to new employees as part of the hiring and onboarding process. More information is available here.

• How will the University manage isolation and quarantine for COVID-19?

  Information regarding protocols for COVID-19 quarantine and isolation can be found on the Student Health Service website.

• Do I need to request a medical or religious exemption every year?

  No. Faculty, staff, and students with an approved medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine series will not be required to re-submit for an exemption once received.

• What is the deadline by which incoming students must verify they are vaccinated against COVID-19?

  For students who first start in the fall semester, the deadline is July 1.  For students who first start in the spring semester, the deadline will be January 1.  And for students who start for the first time during the summer sessions, the deadline will be May 15.

• What is the deadline by which new employees must verify they are vaccinated against COVID-19?

  Employees who have already been vaccinated for COVID-19 will verify their completion of the series as part of their onboarding to Wake Forest. Those who wish to request a medical or religious exemption will also be prompted to do so during the new hire onboarding process. New employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their hiring have three days from their hire date to verify they have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine series or request a medical or religious exemption.

• Are there any special COVID-19 vaccination requirements for students planning to study abroad?

  Students planning to study abroad should determine whether the country to which they are traveling has vaccine, isolation, or quarantine requirements or restrictions that differ from those currently in place in the United States. For assistance, please contact the Center Global for Global Programs and Studies. 

• Are there any special requirements for international students incoming from countries where WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are unavailable or limited in availability?

  Information regarding vaccination requirements for international students can be found on the Student Health Service website. 

• Am I required to get a flu shot this year?

  Flu shots are not required, however, we strongly encourage all members of the campus community to receive a flu shot every year.