Vaccination Requirements for Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19

Students who are still looking to get the vaccine should check with their personal healthcare provider, local health departments, and pharmacies in their area. 

Important to Note

Flu Vaccination

As the CDC has noted, the flu vaccine will be more important than ever in the 2020–21 flu season because of the potential for the flu and COVID-19 to be spreading at the same time. Flu vaccinations protect individuals, prevent additional stress on health care resources, and decrease the chances of a flu outbreak masking a COVID-19 outbreak.
 
  • All members of the campus community will need a flu shot unless they receive an exemption.
  • The flu shot requirement is based on the advice of public health experts.
  • The flu vaccine is available now. Members of the campus community will be asked to have the shot before the start of the spring semester in January 2021.
  • Flu vaccinations can be obtained at local health departments, any health care provider, and many pharmacies. In addition, the campus will set up opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to receive flu vaccinations on campus in various pop-up clinics starting October 1. 

Student Flu Vaccine Submission Information

Please follow the instructions to submit your flu vaccine immunization date AND documentation within your Medicat Patient Portal. Click here to view step by step instructions. 
 
Acceptable documentation for proof of receipt of the flu vaccine must include:
  • Student's Full Legal Name
  • Student's Date of Birth
  • Proof of Immunization Given 
  • Date the Student Received the Vaccine
  • Healthcare Provider's Name and/or Office Giving the Vaccination along with Facility Contact Information 

Employee Flu Vaccine Submission Information

Please follow the instructions here to submit your flu vaccine information.

COVID Vaccination

At this time, a COVID-19 vaccination is not anticipated for the upcoming academic year. The COVID-19 immunization would be required only if it has been medically proven to be safe and effective and is recommended by the CDC and Tennessee Department of Health.

Exemptions

Consistent with state law, the UT System has required certain vaccinations for incoming students for years. As with those vaccinations, exemptions from these requirements can be made for medical, religious, or other reasons.
 
Students should submit exemption documentation through the process outlined in the University Health Center's information about immunization requirements.