Michigan Housing Vaccination Requirements

What is the University of Michigan's vaccination policy?
Currently the policy only applies to students living in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor campus. As of July 5, 2023, all U-M students residing in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor campus are required to submit documentation showing whether they are vaccinated for the following vaccinations in line with the CDC immunization schedule:
  • COVID-19 vaccine
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
  • Meningococcal A (MenACWY) vaccine
  • Polio vaccine
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
  • Varicella vaccine (chicken pox)
U-M students who are not vaccinated with any of the above six (6) vaccinations 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

What do I need to do to get a Michigan Housing contract?
  • After U-M receives your enrollment deposit, we will send you an email with a link to the Michigan Housing application. If you’ve submitted your enrollment deposit and waited three weeks but have not received an email, write to housing@umich.edu. Make sure you include your U-M ID number.
  • Submit your Michigan Housing application as soon as possible.
  • Concurrently, you need to submit your information about your vaccination history, including whether you are unvaccinated. Submitting this information is required in order to receive a Michigan Housing contract.
  • Please submit your vaccination history on these six vaccines, in line with the CDC immunization schedule:
    • COVID-19 vaccine
    • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine 
    • Meningococcal A (MenACWY) vaccine
    • Polio vaccine
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
    • Varicella vaccine (chicken pox)
    U-M students who are not vaccinated with any of the above six vaccinations 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 university highly recommends but no longer requires the COVID-19 vaccination.

Last Updated: November 1, 2023

How do I provide documentation of my immunizations?
You can submit this information Vax Viewer (accessed via Wolverine Access - COVID-19 & Health Response). 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

I know I received my routine vaccinations but I’m not sure how to find proof. What should I do?
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. Students who are not able to find their vaccination records may complete an attestation as part of the vaccination reporting process (this does not apply to COVID-19, which has a separate reporting process).

Last Updated: February 22, 2023

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. Please complete the relevant attestation within the vaccination reporting form and consider receiving your full MenACWY vaccine at UHS once you are on campus.

Last Updated: May 15, 2023

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 campus fall under the policy requirements.

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

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

I need help obtaining my COVID-19 vaccination record; what can I do?
If you have been immunized in the state of Michigan, you may be able to download your Immunization Record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry: https://mdhhsmiimmsportal.state.mi.us/. Those vaccinated at a local pharmacy, such as CVS, Rite Aid or Walgreens, may be able to contact those pharmacies to obtain vaccination records. You can also find out-of-state vaccination records using this resource on the CDC website.

Last Updated: February 7, 2022

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

U-M Health and Safety Policies

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

Where do I go if I have more questions?
  • The Health Response Call Center serves the campus community by connecting them to U-M resources and support during the pandemic. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 734-936-7000.
  • Students with questions regarding vaccination policy compliance, exemptions and postponements, please reach out to vaccinecompliance@umich.edu.
  • For vaccine verification or related questions, please email vaccineverification@umich.edu. Note: vaccine submission will not be accepted through this email. Directions on how to submit your vaccination information can be found here.
  • For other questions about Michigan Housing, please email housing@umich.edu.
  • Employees with COVID-related HR questions, including vaccination policy compliance, exemptions, and postponements, please email: COVID-19HR@umich.edu.
  • For questions related to international students, please visit the International Center.
  • Policy questions can be sent to healthresponse@umich.edu.

Last Updated: August 1, 2023

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

What metrics are being used to determine masking requirements?
Based on U-M's high vaccination rates and the fact that the State of Michigan is moving from a response phase to a recovery phase in the pandemic, the university is able to reduce the indoor mask requirement. Masks remain an option for anyone seeking additional protection from COVID-19.

Last Updated: February 16, 2023

I want to continue to wear a mask; what type of mask is the best protection for me?
Well-fitting masks, esp. high filtration N95 and KN95 masks, remain an effective way for an individual to lower their personal risk of acquiring COVID-19.

Last Updated: March 9, 2022

Can I ask someone around me to wear a mask?
Public health guidance is shifting away from a position that others need to mask to protect others except when conditions in the community are "HIGH." However, individuals may recommend, but may not require, others to wear masks in settings such as one-on-one meetings. Here's some sample language to consider using if you'd like to recommend that another individual wear a mask around you: "I’m choosing to wear a mask as another layer of protection against COVID-19 infection. And while I cannot require you to wear a mask, would you be willing to wear one while in this [meeting.], as well? Of course, this is your choice, and there will be no consequences if you choose not to, but I appreciate your consideration as it would make me feel more comfortable."

Last Updated: March 9, 2022

What are the indicators for the university to change its plans?
The university will continue to carefully monitor a number of data points as we move forward with campus plans. There is no one number that would prompt a change. Among these factors are:
  • Spread of COVID-19 locally and regionally.
  • Capacity of area hospitals.
  • Campus isolation capacity.
  • Capacity for case investigation and contact tracing.
More details on Campus Response Metric are available here.

Last Updated: August 12, 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 generally 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 for free 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.

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

How do I isolate?
Report your positive test result, unless you tested through University Health Service, so that your results can be shared with the U-M Department of Environment, Health & Safety (UHS test results are automatically shared with EHS). EHS will contact you to discuss your isolation and care options. More information is available on the Care & Isolation page.

Last Updated: August 15, 2023

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 is case investigation and how is it done?
Case investigation is utilized to collect epidemiological data in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Case investigators team call COVID-19 positive individuals to gather that data.  In addition, case investigators are providing guidance and encouraging individuals to inform their close contacts of exposures and to get tested accordingly.  The teams are currently focused on students and main campus employees to provide education and resources to properly isolate. Referrals to isolation housing are made if necessary.

Last Updated: August 3, 2022

What prevention measures should I take before, during and after traveling?
It’s recommended that all travelers follow public health prevention strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
  • Delay traveling internationally until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Get vaccinated or tested per CDC guidance.
  • Wear a mask, especially in crowded areas.
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid travel if ill.
  • Check for travel restrictions and entry requirements for your final destination. To determine travel regulations and entry requirements for international locations, visit the COVID-19 Country Specific Information page on the U.S. Embassy site of the destination country.
  • 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: February 2, 2022

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?
Follow the latest CDC guidance, which is available on their website. Guidance includes masking and testing.

Last Updated: August 15, 2023

I’m feeling sick with COVID-19 symptoms; what should I do?
Begin masking and isolating while you pursue a COVID-19 test. Learn more about how to get a COVID-19 test. If you test positive, follow care and isolation guidance.

Last Updated: August 15, 2023

I’ve tested positive for COVID-19; what should I do?
Report your positive test result, unless you tested through University Health Service, so that your results can be shared with the U-M Department of Environment, Health & Safety (UHS test results are automatically shared with EHS). EHS will contact you to discuss your isolation and care options. More information is available on the Care & Isolation page.

Last Updated: August 15, 2023

I've tested positive: can I move back into my res hall after my 5-day isolation period?
You will need clearance from your Case Investigator before returning to your residence hall.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

What should be done if someone tests positive for COVID-19 (in the classroom, at an event, etc.)?
  • Individuals who test positive will need to isolate and should follow care and isolation guidance outlined here.
  • When an individual tests positive from a U-M testing source or reports a positive test result from an off-campus testing source to the university, they will be sent guidance which includes the direction to notify all individuals who they may have been in close contact with during their infectious period of their positive result.
  • Note: The individual may not have been infectious while around others.
  • If faculty members, departments or units choose to notify others of a positive case, they should not identify individuals by name. Students, faculty and staff — regardless of vaccination status — no longer need to quarantine following a close contact exposure but should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
  • If positive in the classroom, it is the individual's responsibility to notify the instructor that they are not able to attend class due to illness. Faculty should continue to provide academic support to all students during this period. The Dean of Students Office can provide support to the student.

Last Updated: May 27, 2022

What should faculty or staff do if a student in their class discloses that they have tested positive?
Share the following resources with students: Continue to provide academic support during the student's isolation period. Sometimes this can mean getting others in the academic unit involved (e.g., student affairs dean, program coordinator, etc.). It may be helpful to designate who is on the "need to know" list within the unit to help provide support to the student. Consult with your dean or Environment, Health & Safety if you have any questions.

Last Updated: August 1, 2023

A member of my household has tested positive, and I have symptoms. Do I need to test or can I just begin isolation?
Students should get tested at University Health Service. Employees can isolate and consider themselves as probable cases.

Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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 isolate and follow the guidance outlined hereReport your positive test result here.

Last Updated: January 24, 2022

Where can I report my outside positive COVID-19 test results?
Students, faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus, including Michigan Medicine, who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days outside of U-M (that is, outside University Health Service) are asked to report their positive test result here. The information collected will be directed to appropriate units for follow up including: University Health Service; Environment, Health & Safety; Occupational Health Services; and/or Infection Prevention & Epidemiology. University or county health officials may reach out for case investigation and contact tracing, and the information gathered will help target resources for testing, support and mitigation.

Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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