Vaccination Requirements
Vaccination requirements apply to all campuses and institutes in the UT System and are established to protect the health and safety of the university community.
The UTHSC administration, along with University Health Services, encourages all students, faculty, and staff to receive their COVID-19 vaccine(s) as soon as possible. With eligibility now open to everyone 16 and older, and a solid supply of the vaccine available from several providers in the state, you have options to get vaccinated soon. For details on COVID-19 vaccines, read the COVID-19 Vaccination Campus Update.
What you Need to Know
COVID-19 vaccination is not required, but vaccination is strongly recommended.
Students and employees can request an exemption to any vaccination requirement.
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is not required, but vaccination is strongly recommended. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated, which has been proven to be safe and effective.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination options.
Flu Vaccination
Flu vaccination is not required for the 2021–22 academic year, but vaccination is strongly recommended.
As the CDC has noted, the flu vaccine is especially important now because of the potential for the flu and COVID-19 to spread at the same time. During flu season, flu vaccinations protect individuals, prevent additional stress on health care resources, and decrease the chances of a flu outbreak masking a COVID-19 outbreak.
Exemptions
Just as we have exemptions for existing vaccination requirements, exemptions will be made for medical, religious, or other reasons.
Employees should download the Immunization Exemption Form. This form must be completed and signed, noting the exemption. Please keep a record of this form in the event it is requested.
Students must request a waiver from their college. If approved, the student should submit the waiver to Verified Credentials and they will update the student’s file.