Dear Washington University students,
We are planning for the next academic year with an eye toward creating the safest possible environment on our campuses for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more widely available in the United States and its effectiveness in reducing the number and severity of infections is being clearly demonstrated across the country.
Vaccination against COVID-19 will play a key role in allowing us to resume our regular activities, protect our community, and prevent the spread of illness both on our campuses and in the St. Louis region, including, importantly, the patients we serve in our hospitals. For these reasons, all Washington University students on the Danforth and Medical Campuses will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Students must be fully vaccinated before they arrive on campus for the start of their fall academic term or August 30, whichever comes first.
We will allow exemptions for students who are unable to receive the vaccine for religious or medical reasons. For students who cannot get the vaccine prior to arrival, we will assist you in identifying opportunities to get the vaccine locally, including at the School of Medicine and BJC. We will provide more information about the exemption process, how to provide verification, and the availability of vaccinations on campus and locally in separate communications to students in the coming weeks.
If you have questions or concerns about your health and receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, Danforth Campus students should contact Habif Health and Wellness Center by email or by calling 314-935-4959 during business hours, and Medical Campus students should contact Student Health Services by email or by calling 314-362-3523.
Thank you for your support for our efforts to keep you and our community safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Andrew D. Martin, PhD
Chancellor
David H. Perlmutter, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean, School of Medicine
Beverly Wendland, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs