Answers to your questions about UA's vaccine policy and recommendation for boosters.
Why is the University of Akron requiring vaccinations for some students?
Throughout the pandemic, the University has taken measures to help keep our campus community safe and healthy. With multiple types of vaccines having approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The University of Akron will require some students, and most faculty, contract professional and staff member to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to provide proof of that vaccination history, or have an approved exemption. The University is taking this step to be compliant with federal orders and in accordance with off-campus site requirements where students complete academic program requirements, such as co-ops and clinicals. We strongly recommend vaccines and vaccine boosters for the entire campus community because vaccines are the safest and most effective form of protection against COVID-19. We are focused on enhancing the health and safety of our community.
Which COVID-19 vaccines qualify for this requirement?
A COVID-19 vaccine will qualify under this policy if the vaccine has:
- Full U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval
- FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL)
For the status of COVID-19 vaccines included on the World Health Organization’s Emergency Use Listing, please see the WHO’s (World Health Organization) COVID-19 vaccine website.
Are vaccinations safe?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization before receiving full approval.
We realize that vaccinations may not be for everyone due to health reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. For those in these categories we have created an exemption process. The process and forms can be found here.
What is the deadline for vaccination to meet the requirement?
All University of Akron faculty, contract professionals and staff are to be fully vaccinated prior to employment.
Students should check with their academic program administrator for program-specific clinical site guidelines.
I am concerned that I might miss work or class due to the side effects of the vaccine.
Students, faculty, contract professionals and staff should stay home when they are feeling sick — regardless of the reason they believe they are feeling ill.
If students are feeling sick after a vaccination, they should contact their instructors, as they would for any other illness, to make arrangements. Instructors are encouraged to provide flexibility in these cases.
If faculty or staff members are feeling sick after a vaccination, they may use sick time to stay home. They should follow the normal process for informing their manager or chair when they are sick. If they do not have leave balances, they should contact their HR professional for assistance.
Who will have access to my vaccination data?
Individual vaccination data will be shared only to the extent needed for compliance and non-compliance measures and for public health purposes such as contact tracing.
I am working remotely. Does this policy apply to me?
Maybe. You are exempt from this policy if you do not have any on-campus presence. However, if you plan to be on campus to use office space, attend meetings, or engage in in-person activities then this policy applies to you.
What exemptions are allowed under this policy?
Health-related
An individual can request a health-related exemption through submission of appropriate documentation from their treating health care provider. Any health-related exemptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Human Resources for employees and/or Student Health Services for students.
In addition, those with a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines or medical injections will be considered for exemptions on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation of the allergic reaction provided by the individual’s treating health care provider.
Religious or Reasons of Conscience
An exemption based on an individual’s sincerely held religious beliefs can be requested. Employees and students must submit a request for religious exemptions. As part of the request, the employee must attest to their reason for exemption and provide an explanation. All religious exemptions for students will be reviewed by Student Health Services, Dean of Students, and with the Office of General Counsel. Exemptions for employees will be reviewed by EEO.
A religious exemption may be granted if the individual has sincere religious beliefs, practices or observances that are contrary to the practice of vaccination.
Where can I get an exemption form?
Forms are available here.
Will I have to face more stringent health protocols if I receive an exemption?
No.
How long does it take for exemption approval?
Generally, it takes a week or more.
Can I submit an exemption after my first dose if I do not feel safe getting another?
We strongly encourage everyone to complete their vaccination series to maximize the effectiveness. If someone has an extenuating circumstance that warrants an exemption, that process will still be available.
If I have already received my vaccination, or once I do, how do I report that information?
You should upload your vaccination records into Med+Proctor. A link and instructions are located at uakron.edu/return-to-campus or follow the COVID-19 link at the top of most of our webpages.
How does this impact students in the College Credit Plus, Akron Early College, or National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School students?
The University of Akron will not require students in the College Credit Plus, Akron Early College or National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School programs to be vaccinated. These students should follow vaccination guidance provided by their home school district.
I work on campus every week but not for the University; do I need to be vaccinated?
You should follow the guidance of your employer for vaccination requirements.
I am a new student for Fall 2022. Will I need to be vaccinated?
There is no requirement for the entire student body but, for certain majors, you may need to be vaccinated or have an exemption. All students are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and have their vaccination records uploaded to Med+Proctor.
When is the next vaccination clinic?
Currently our health care partner, Klein's Pharmacy, can administer a vaccination to faculty, staff or students Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. until noon at the Bierce Library.