Michigan Housing Vaccination Requirements

What do I need to do to get a Michigan Housing contract?
  • Submit your vaccination records via Vax Viewer. All U-M students residing in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor and Marygrove campuses are required to submit their vaccination records.
  • U-M students who are not vaccinated must still complete the forms through Vax Viewer.
  • In the spring, once you receive your invitation to apply for Michigan Housing, submit your housing application as soon as possible.
  • If your vaccination history has not been submitted and verified, you will not be in compliance and will not be able to receive a Michigan Housing contract. 

Last Updated: December 20, 2024

What are accepted sources of vaccination records?
An acceptable list of sources of vaccination records is below. Please ensure the documentation shows both your first and last name.
  • State-based immunization systems
  • County-based immunization systems
  • Health System Portal (MyChart)
  • Primary care physician office records (a blank form for your primary care physician to complete is available here)
  • Pharmacy records
  • Vaccination card or booklet
  • Country or Ministry of Health records

Last Updated: July 30, 2024

I know I received my routine vaccinations but I’m not sure how to find proof. What should I do?
You may contact your primary care physician for your vaccination history (a blank form for your primary care physician to complete is available here). If you were vaccinated in Michigan, you may be able to request a copy of your MCIR record showing your vaccination history. If you were vaccinated outside of Michigan, you may be able to locate records through your state immunization information system. Many countries outside of the U.S. also have immunization information systems. International students are encouraged to check with their primary care providers or the country’s Ministry of Health. Students who are not able to obtain their vaccination records may complete an attestation as part of the vaccination reporting process. The attestation is part of the full form submission; no additional form is needed.

Last Updated: July 30, 2024

How is compliance determined in order to receive a Michigan Housing contract?
To be in compliance, you must submit your information about your vaccination history, including whether you are unvaccinated, in the U-M Vaccination History Form through Vax Viewer. The information you enter in this form will then be verified. During peak times, the verification process may take four to five weeks. Early submission is encouraged. Records are verified in the order they are received. At any point in the process, you can check your status in Vax Viewer, which refreshes daily at 6:00am. Please also monitor your university email account; the verification team will reach out via email if additional information is required. You will be notified via email once your submission has been verified; this status will also be reflected in Vax Viewer.

Last Updated: June 5, 2024

How long does the vaccine verification process take?
Records are verified in the order they are received. Early submission is highly encouraged. Due to the high volume of submissions, during peak times the vaccine verification team may need four to five weeks to review submissions. Students are advised to monitor their university email accounts; the verification team will reach out via email if additional information is required. Students will be notified via email once their submission has been verified and they can also check their status in Vax Viewer, which refreshes daily at 6:00am.

Last Updated: June 5, 2024

I am not fully vaccinated. What are my options?
Even if you are not fully vaccinated, you must still submit your information in the U-M Vaccination History Form through Vax Viewer. The form includes an attestation that states that you are not vaccinated and that you understand you may be subject to additional public health protocols should there be a need. Once you arrive on campus, you are encouraged to make an appointment at UHS to receive any missing vaccinations.

Last Updated: July 5, 2024

What meets the Tdap vaccine requirement?
A single dose Tdap after age 11 will meet the university’s requirements. If you have only received a Td vaccine (which protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis, also known as whooping cough), you either need to obtain a Tdap vaccine or complete the relevant attestation within the vaccination reporting form. If you complete the attestation, consider receiving your full Tdap vaccine at UHS once you are on campus.

Last Updated: May 15, 2023

What meets the MenACWY vaccine requirement?
MenACWY, or meningococcal conjugate, protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. A different meningococcal vaccine, meningitis B or meningococcal B, is available that can help protect against serogroup B. If documentation of your meningitis vaccine does not clearly indicate it is MenACWY or meningococcal conjugate, you will not be considered fully vaccinated for meningitis A, C, W, and Y serotypes. Common brand names of the MenACWY vaccine in the US are Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi.

Last Updated: May 15, 2023

Is there a blank immunization form I can ask my physician's office to complete?
Yes. Please download this form and ask your physician's office to complete it for you.

Last Updated: July 29, 2024

My vaccination records are not in English. Do I need to provide a translated copy?
No, you do not need to provide a translated copy. The vaccine verification team has resources available to translate records as needed.

Last Updated: May 2, 2023

Does this policy apply to Housing staff or just students?
Only U-M students living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor and Marygrove campuses fall under the policy requirements.

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Does this policy apply to family members living with a resident in Michigan Housing?
No. The policy only applies to U-M students living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor and Marygrove campuses, not to their family members (e.g., in Northwood Housing).

Last Updated: September 9, 2024

What additional public health measures may be required for students who have not submitted proof of vaccination?
Students who have not submitted proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or the other required immunizations may be subject to masking, testing, quarantine, or other disease prevention measures, should there be a public health need. Minimizing infectious disease exposure, spread, and disruption in Michigan Housing is essential to keeping our community safe.

Last Updated: April 5, 2023

Can I use another method for submitting my vaccination or exemption information to U-M?
No. At this time, the only channel for submitting vaccination and exemption information is via the secure self-reporting forms.

Last Updated: June 14, 2021

If I am a post-doc or research fellow, does the vaccination reporting policy apply to me?
No. Post-docs and research fellows are considered university employees rather than students so you do not need to submit your vaccination records, even if you live in Michigan Housing.

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

Where do I go if I have more questions?
  • To check the status of your vaccination information submission, please see Vax Viewer (Vax Viewer also can be accessed via Wolverine Access - COVID-19 & Health Response). Vax Viewer refreshes daily at 6:00am.
  • Students with questions regarding the vaccination submission process may reach out to [email protected].
  • For other questions about Michigan Housing, please email [email protected].
  • Employees with COVID-related HR questions, including vaccination policy compliance, exemptions, and postponements may reach out to [email protected].
  • For questions related to international students, please visit the International Center.
  • The Health Response Call Center serves the campus community by connecting them to U-M public-health resources and support, and answering questions related to vaccination information submission and verification.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 734-936-7000.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024

Michigan Medicine Employee Vaccination Requirements

Where do I go if I am having trouble submitting my information?
You can visit the OHS website for more information, or they can be reached at:
  • C380 Med Inn Building, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5838
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: (734) 764-8021

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

How can I obtain my vaccination records?
You have a few options that will yield a record showing your full name:
  • Employees can obtain their immunization record by contacting your Primary Care Provider.  
  • Michigan residents can visit the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) website at  https://mcir.org/public/ to download a copy of their immunization records.  
  • Portal active Michigan Medicine patients can visit www.myUofMhealth.org. From Menu, locate the My Record section and select Immunizations. Here you can locate and print to PDF the immunization record. It is recommended that you use a computer rather than a mobile phone. 

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

How can I request a medical or religious exemption?
Employees seeking a medical or religious exemption should login to their Enterprise Health portal to complete the Influenza Questionnaire and select Apply for Exemption. Employees will then complete the remainder of the questionnaire and submit it for review. Once the request is reviewed, the employee can expect to receive an email notification with the outcome which will also detail next steps if the exemption is not approved.

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

What vaccinations are required?
There are a couple different policies in place: Prevention of Spread of Communicable Diseases (Michigan Medicine Internal Link only) mandates that employees and volunteers document proof of immunity/vaccination to certain communicable diseases. These include:
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) often as a two-dose MMR series
  • Varicella (chicken pox)
  • Pertussis as a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccination/booster typically received every ten years
Immunity to those diseases will be documented in the Occupational Health Services (OHS) certified electronic medical record, Enterprise Health. If proof of immunity is not available, vaccines can be given. In some instances, blood can be drawn to assess immunity status.

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

Where do I submit my vaccination documentation?
Employees will login into the Enterprise Health Portal by navigating to the website: https://enterprise-health.umich.edu/ and then use their unique level-1 credentials and two-factor authentication to login.

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

U-M Health and Safety Policies

What is the University of Michigan's vaccination policy?
All U-M students residing in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor and Marygrove campuses are required to submit documentation showing whether or not they are vaccinated against the below six (6) diseases.
  • COVID-19
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Meningococcal (MenACWY)
  • Polio
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Varicella (chicken pox)
U-M students who are not vaccinated against these diseases may be asked to submit an attestation that states that they are not vaccinated and understand they may be subject to additional public health protocols should there be a public health need. The requirements in this policy are in addition to other vaccination requirements that may be applicable to faculty, staff, and students by their school, college, unit or third-party partners.

Last Updated: July 28, 2023

How do I provide documentation of my immunizations?
You can submit this information on Vax Viewer. Students vaccinated in Michigan are able to request a copy of their MCIR record showing their vaccination history. Students vaccinated outside of Michigan may be able to locate their records through their primary care physician or their state immunization information system. Many countries outside of the U.S. also have immunization information systems. International students are encouraged to check with their primary care providers or the country’s Ministry of Health.

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

Is our community safe without a universitywide vaccination mandate?
Yes. Our community has a high level of vaccination and immunity from previous infection. Additionally, other efforts to combat COVID-19 will continue:
  • Get the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommended by the CDC. You may still report your COVID-19 vaccination to the university if you would like to do so.
  • The University Health Service has maintained vital infrastructure to provide prompt evaluation and testing of symptomatic students.
  • Our public health response team has the tools and systems in place to identify, monitor and respond to multiple infectious diseases, including through wastewater surveillance, testing and other data sources.

Last Updated: November 1, 2023

Do UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint require COVID-19 vaccinations?
UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint strongly encourage, but do not require, that all members of their campus communities are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination.

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Does Michigan Medicine require COVID-19 vaccinations?
Michigan Medicine employees are strongly encouraged but are not required to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.

Last Updated: November 1, 2023

What other vaccination policies are in place (i.e. the medical, dental, nursing, or pharmacy schools and colleges, etc)?
Some schools, units, programs or third-party partners will have their own policies in place, such as vaccinations required for travel to certain international destinations or requirements for healthcare or field placements.

Last Updated: April 28, 2023

Who has access to vaccination and exemption information?
Individually identifiable information may be shared as required by law, and with university officials, public health officials, and external service providers that support U-M COVID-19 response efforts. When information is shared with service providers, we have contractual agreements to require such service providers to keep your personal information secure and confidential, and do not allow them to use or share personal information for any purpose other than providing services on the university’s behalf. For more information, see the Privacy Policy for COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Self-Reporting.

Last Updated: August 4, 2021

How is vaccination and exemption information protected?
Student self-reported vaccination and medical exemption information is not regulated by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For students, this information is regulated by FERPA. The University of Michigan takes appropriate measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of student records and personal human resources information.

Last Updated: August 4, 2021

Can I receive immunizations through UHS?
Yes, UHS offers a full range of immunizations.

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There are a number of places to find vaccination opportunities. You can use Vaccines.gov to find a location offering the COVID-19 vaccine near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides information, by county, on available vaccines and how to make an appointment. Other options include:

Last Updated: February 16, 2023

Are the COVID-19 vaccinations safe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adults and children may have some side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but may occur. More info is available here. Students, faculty and staff from all three campuses and Michigan Medicine can speak with advisers ready to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety. Advisers will not offer medical advice or address issues related to human resources or university policy.
  • Students: Call University Health Service and ask to speak with a nurse for COVID vaccine information. The phone number is 734-764-8320.
  • Employees: Speak with a trained adviser at Occupational Health Services by phone on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The phone number is 734-764-8021, and callers should select prompt No. 2.

Last Updated: July 11, 2023

Do I need to pay or have insurance to get vaccinated?
Vaccinations are often covered by health insurance but you should check that the place where you’re getting vaccinated is in network for your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you should be able to get vaccines at your local health department or other locations. UHS, local pharmacies, and other sites offer COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccines.gov is also a good resource. For general vaccination pricing information, see the UHS immunizations webpage.

Last Updated: May 10, 2023

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days.

Last Updated: February 16, 2023

COVID-19 Basics, Testing, and Isolation

I’m feeling sick with respiratory illness symptoms and I live in a residence hall; what should I do?
If you have respiratory symptoms (fever, coughing, sore throat, etc.), whether from COVID-19 or another virus, please take these steps:
  • Isolate in place and stay in your room - avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve and no fever is present for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing meds.
  • Wear a mask when you must be around others (free masks are available at your community center and the University Unions).
  • Seek medical attention or advice if needed (students should contact UHS and employees should contact their primary care physician) .
  • Order well-being meals from Michigan Dining.
  • Once your symptoms are improving, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as masking or physical distancing.
  • Talk to your roommate about how you are feeling and what precautions you can take, like offering to mask in your room (except when sleeping), increasing hand hygiene, distancing, or similar actions.
  • If your roommate has concerns about their exposure or risk factors, they can employ similar precautions, such as masking, and they may contact UHS for medical advice.

Last Updated: September 6, 2024

I’m feeling sick with respiratory illness symptoms; what should I do?
If you have respiratory symptoms (fever, coughing, sore throat, etc.), whether from COVID-19 or another virus, please take these steps:
  • Isolate in place and stay in your room - avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve and no fever is present for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing meds.
  • Wear a mask when you must be around others (free masks are available at your community center and the University Unions).
  • Seek medical attention or advice if needed (students should contact UHS and employees should contact their primary care physician).
  • Once your symptoms are improving, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as masking or physical distancing.
 

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

What is a close contact?
A close contact is defined by CDC as "someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three separate 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). An infected person can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 starting 2 days before they have any symptoms (or, for people without symptoms, 2 days before the positive specimen collection date)."

Last Updated: January 31, 2023

What prevention measures should I take before, during and after traveling?
Follow U-M policy and country-specific requirements for international University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT). Locate your country on Global Michigan to determine travel eligibility and requirements.

Last Updated: September 2, 2024

COVID-19 symptoms and spread

What are the symptoms and how is it spread?

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain
  • Loss of taste or smell
COVID-19 is spread mainly through close contact from person to person. People without symptoms can spread the virus. More information on how the virus spreads is available from the CDC.

Last Updated: May 10, 2022

How do I prevent the spread of COVID-19?
The CDC advises that the best way to protect against infection is to get vaccinated and avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Here are actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19, including any additional recommended boosters.
  • Wear a face covering when around others.
  • Get tested before attending social activities. Free PCR and rapid antigen tests are available on campus.
  • Get tested after close contact exposures, and be sure to wear a mask for a full 10 days.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Last Updated: May 10, 2022

I've been exposed to COVID-19; what should I do?
Monitor yourself for symptoms and take extra precautions (e.g., masking, physical distancing, testing) when around others for five days.

Last Updated: March 4, 2024

I’ve tested positive for COVID-19; what should I do?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and no fever has been present (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours. Seek medical attention if needed. Students may contact UHS. You do not need to report your positive test to the university.

Last Updated: June 18, 2024

I've tested positive using a rapid antigen test; do I need a confirmation PCR test?
No. There is no need to get a confirming PCR test following a positive result from a rapid antigen test. You should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and no fever has been present (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours. Seek medical care if needed. Students may contact UHS. You do not need to report your positive test to the university

Last Updated: June 18, 2024

Does my U-M health insurance plan cover COVID-19 testing, treatment, or vaccination?
  • Costs for COVID-19 medical services shifted to normal rates and requirements, effective May 12, 2023. This means members covered by U-M health plans will pay regular coinsurance or copays for these services, including charges for using out-of-network providers.
  • Also effective May 12, over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID-19 tests are not covered by U-M’s prescription drug plan. Members have through May 2024 to submit reimbursement claims to Magellan Rx for eligible, previously purchased test kits.
  • COVID-19 treatment drugs Paxlovid and its generics, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, will continue to be covered by the U-M prescription drug plan, with no member cost-share as long as the U.S. government pays for these products. 
  • COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be covered at no cost to members.

Last Updated: May 12, 2023