Mandatory flu vaccine policy

The flu vaccine policy has been developed by Johns Hopkins University in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the interest of ensuring the health and safety the university’s faculty, staff, students, and surrounding communities.

Johns Hopkins requires all students, trainees, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff to receive an annual influenza (flu) vaccine and to upload proof to the Vaccine Management System (VMS), or obtain an approved medical or religious exception. The deadline to receive and document your flu shot was Nov. 18, 2022.

Though the deadline has passed, if you have not already received your flu shot and provided documentation, please do so as soon as possible.

Where to get a flu shot

Vaccinations at Walgreens and Other Locations

All JHU faculty, staff, and students can get the flu vaccination for free at any Walgreens location. You must either print out the voucher using the VMS website or display it on your phone at the time of service. Click “flu voucher” to download it. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are allowed.

Please complete this vaccination form prior to your appointment and bring your JHU identification with you.

Proof of vaccination

If you get the flu vaccine at Walgreens or anywhere other than at a JHU on-site Occupational and Student Health vaccine clinic, proof of immunization must be uploaded to the VMS. This applies even if the doctor/doctor’s office that gave you the 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. Walgreens, CVS, or the name of the physician’s office). 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.

Note: Johns Hopkins Occupational Health Services will not be offering flu vaccines to spouses or domestic partners for the 2022–23 flu season. The flu vaccine is free with most health insurance at any outpatient pharmacy, health care provider office, or city/county health department clinic.

Exceptions

Anyone requesting a religious or medical exception to the flu vaccine was required to submit their request to the VMS by Oct. 31, 2022. That deadline has now passed. More information on policies and exceptions can be found on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.

Note that the mandate outlined in this message does not apply to JHU employees 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.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this and/or related websites, email VMS@jhu.edu.