To keep JHU affiliates healthy, as well as to protect the wider community, Johns Hopkins University is strongly urging all faculty, staff, and students to get a flu shot this fall, whether or not they are required to.
The university has mandated that all individuals who will be on JHU campuses be vaccinated for influenza and upload documentation to the Vaccine Management System by Nov. 19, or use the VMS to request a religious or medical exemption by Nov. 9. The Flu Vaccine Policy and information on exceptions can be found on the JHU coronavirus information website.
The flu vaccination mandate does not apply to JHU employees who are 100% remote—that is, who never visit any Johns Hopkins facility or conduct business in any public setting on Johns Hopkins' behalf. JHU School of Medicine employees who fall under Johns Hopkins Medicine's mandate have slightly different requirements, including that even personnel who work 100% remotely must get the flu vaccine or obtain an approved medical or religious exception. (Refer to JHM's guidance for more information.)
For APL staff members who work, teach, or attend classes at JHU or JHM campuses other than their own, the mandates for each campus apply and can supersede APL guidelines.
There are several ways affiliates can get a flu shot at no cost and register their vaccination with the university.
Information about JHU on-site flu clinics is listed online:
You must make an appointment in MyChart to receive the flu vaccine at a JHU clinic. To schedule an appointment, log in to MyChart, click "Visits," select "Schedule an Appointment," then choose "Flu Shot—Occupational and Student Health." If you attend one of JHU's on-site flu clinics, your J-Card will be swiped and your vaccination documentation automatically uploaded into the JHU Vaccine Management System.
On-site clinics are filling up fast, so you may need to take advantage of alternative free options.
All JHU faculty, staff, and students can get the flu vaccination for free at any Walgreens location. To be vaccinated at Walgreens, you can either print out the voucher that is available in the VMS or be prepared to display it on your phone. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are allowed. For both JHU on-site flu clinics and Walgreens flu vaccinations, individuals are asked to complete the vaccination form prior to the appointment and bring your JHU identification with you.
The flu vaccine is also free with most health insurance, and you can get it anywhere it is offered, including any outpatient pharmacy or health care provider's office. Johns Hopkins Occupational Health Services will not be offering flu vaccines to spouses or domestic partners for the 2021–22 flu season, so those individuals should use other resources.
If you get the flu vaccine anywhere other than a JHU on-site clinic, even if the doctor who gave the vaccine is within the Johns Hopkins network, you will need to upload your documentation to the VMS.
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.
Posted in News+Info, Health+Well-Being
