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Coronavirus Information

Mandatory flu vaccine policy

Since 2020, Johns Hopkins University has required all students, trainees, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff to receive an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.

The deadline to receive your flu shot and upload documentation is Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

Read the full policy

Where to get a flu shot

1. On-site clinics

The flu vaccine was available to students and employees at a series of on-site JHU clinics; those clinics have now concluded for 2024.

2. Use vouchers at Walgreens

All JHU faculty and staff can get the flu vaccination for free at any Walgreens location using a JHU flu vaccine voucher. You must either print out the voucher or display it on your phone at the time of service (JHED login required). To save time, print and complete a vaccine administration record form before your visit.

  • Please make sure you get a copy of the vaccine administration record or pharmacy print-out from Walgreens before leaving the store for your records.
  • The high-dose flu vaccine for employees age 65 and over is available through this voucher program.
  • Those with primary student affiliation will not have access to the vouchers in VMS and should visit the Student Well-being website for more information.

3. Pharmacy or primary care physician

Flu shots are available at any retail pharmacy, external health care location, or via your primary care physician with your health insurance benefit. You are encouraged to check with your carrier to determine if a copay may apply.

Proof of vaccination

For employees

If you receive the flu vaccine anywhere else, proof of immunization must be uploaded to the Vaccine Management System. This applies even if the doctor/doctor’s office that administered your vaccine is within the Johns Hopkins network. At a minimum, the submission should include a clear scan or photo of a record that includes your name, the date of vaccination, and the vaccination location (e.g. CVS, Giant, or the name of the physician’s office).

Walgreens will upload your flu vaccination documentation to the Vaccine Management System if you received your vaccine at a campus-based clinic or used the flu voucher at a Walgreen’s location.

If you don’t get a receipt and you got your vaccine in Maryland, you can download proof of your flu shot from the Maryland myIR.com website.

It may take up to two weeks for your outside flu vaccination to be processed and for you to receive a confirmation email. You can check your status in the VMS at any time.

For students

All students and learners (except School of Nursing) must provide proof of receiving the vaccine and upload it to MyHealth Portal. School of Nursing students continue uploading documentation to the Vaccine Management System.

Exceptions

  • Religious or medical exceptions: Religious or medical exception requests must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. Employees should submit requests via VMS; students should submit requests via MyHealth Portal. There is no need to reapply if you had a religious exception approved last year.    
  • Remote students and employees: The flu vaccine requirement does not apply to JHU affiliates who are 100% remote—that is, those who never visit any Johns Hopkins facility or conduct business in any public setting on Johns Hopkins’ behalf.

Questions? Employees email VMS@jhu.edu; students email healthforms@jhu.edu