International Students received this message about vaccination and return for Fall. Please direct any questions to roc@drexel.edu

Take Action Now: Remember To Plan Your Vaccination

Summary:

• All students who will be on campus are expected to be fully vaccinated prior to their arrival on campus in Academic Year 2021–2022.
• Drexel accepts FDA-authorized vaccines and certain others approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• International students unable to access vaccine before arriving on campus will be assessed and provided with vaccine.
• Medical and religious vaccine exemption requests will be considered.
• Upload proof of vaccination through the Drexel Health Checker.
• Take a brief survey to tell Drexel about your plans for vaccination and possible need for quarantine housing this upcoming academic year.

Dear Drexel International Student,

The start of Drexel's 2021–2022 academic year is just months away, and it's integral for us to
understand what your plans are as we all work toward a full return to campus. As you read this important information concerning the COVID-19 vaccine and the possibility for quarantine upon arrival, please know we are here to support you. We know that some international students may not be able to access the vaccine in their home country or have access only to a vaccine that is not yet approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), while other students may require second doses or U.S.-authorized vaccine on arrival. If you are not able to arrive to campus fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, this is important for us to know as we manage quarantine and program start times. Please complete the Drexel International Student Vaccination Survey and tell Drexel about your plans for vaccination and possible need for quarantine. We will continue to consult public health and medical experts when assessing each person's needs and find the best possible solution for every situation.

As you know, we require all students who will be on campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. "Fully vaccinated" means you are 14 days post the last dose of your vaccine, which could involve receiving more than one dose depending on the vaccine type. Deadlines for full vaccination assume you are 14 days post the last dose of vaccine in any series. If vaccine is available in your country, please do your best to become vaccinated against COVID-19.

The vaccination deadline is July 1, 2021 for students in graduate/semester programs and August 1, 2021 for students in quarter-based programs. You must provide proof of vaccination (read below). Following are guidelines for international students to be safe and protect themselves and others on campus through vaccination.

Which Vaccines Are Acceptable?

Drexel accepts vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized or approved by the United States FDA. For a list of these vaccines, click here.

Drexel will also accept documentation of receipt of a non-U.S.-authorized COVID vaccine that meets either of the below criteria:

• The vaccine has been authorized by a national regulatory agency classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “stringent regulatory authority (SRA)” or by the European Medication Agency. Here is the link to WHO | List of Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRAs).
• The vaccine has been “pre-qualified” or authorized for “Emergency Use Listing” by the World Health Organization (WHO) evaluation process. The word "finalized" must appear under Status of Assessment. The WHO vaccine evaluation list can be found on the WHO's Emergency Use Listing for COVID-19 Vaccines page, under the Status of COVID-19 Vaccines within WHO EUL/PQ evaluation process link.

What if I Am Unable To Get Vaccinated Before Arriving on Campus?

If you cannot access vaccine nor provide documentation of receiving an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine (or another WHO-acceptable vaccine as listed above) prior to arriving on Drexel's campus, Drexel will be glad to provide one for you when you arrive. If you have had your first dose of an FDA-authorized vaccine but need a second dose to be fully vaccinated, you will receive your second dose from Drexel as well.

Drexel does not allow students to opt out of vaccination due to personal preference. However, if you have a documented religious or medical reason why you cannot be vaccinated, you may apply for an exemption. To apply, CLICK HERE and carefully follow the directions; please allow at least 14 business days for a response. If you require an exemption, you should request one and receive confirmation that your exemption request has been granted so that you are able to plan travel appropriately.

Drexel Wants Unvaccinated Persons To Be Safe and Healthy. Until/unless you are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, you will participate in Drexel's mandatory weekly testing program: learn more about COVID testing at Drexel. Students who receive exemptions will also undergo weekly COVID screening and must also comply with additional public health guidance, which you will be notified about along with your exemption.

Quarantine and Arrivals From Outside the United States

If you are arriving to campus from outside of the United States:

• If you are fully vaccinated with a vaccine authorized by the United States FDA or approved by the World Health Organization (see above), you will NOT need to quarantine. You are fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your final vaccine dose.
• If you have not been able to obtain an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, you must take a COVID test on the day you arrive and safely quarantine for seven days with a repeat COVID test on day five during your quarantine period. At this time, this includes people who are partially vaccinated (have received one dose of a multi-dose vaccine), or who have received a vaccine that is not listed as acceptable under the criteria above. Please plan your travel carefully based on this information.

Proof of Vaccination

If you have been vaccinated (or partially vaccinated) with any COVID-19 vaccine, you should record this information using the Drexel Health Checker. You can access the Drexel Health Checker through an app or a web portal. Register/log in using your Drexel email in the format of abc123@drexel.edu.

To enter your vaccine record:

• Log in and click “More” in the bottom right corner of the Health Checker.
• Select “Vaccine Records.”
• Choose the vaccine type from the drop-down menu, enter the date of your dose and lot number, and then upload a photo of your record.
• Click “Save.”

If you receive a two-dose vaccine, you will need to record your first dose before you can add your final dose. The dates you enter must match the dates on the vaccine card or document.

If you are not able to download the Drexel Health Checker in your current location, be sure to bring proof of vaccination with you on arrival to Drexel.

It Is Important To Let Us Know Your Plans

As a reminder, to help Drexel prepare to serve you best, please fill out the following short survey to let us know your plans: Drexel International Student Vaccination Survey. The survey will also ask about your plans for housing in the upcoming terms.

If you have additional questions about COVID-19 vaccination at Drexel, visit our COVID-19 Vaccination page on the Response to Coronavirus website.

Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe and productive new academic year!

Take good care,

Marla Gold, MD, FACP
Senior Vice Provost Community Health
Chief Wellness Officer

Janet Cruz, MD
Director, Student Health Services

Mladenka Tomasevic
Executive Director, Office of International Students and Scholars Services