COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Students

^{Updated: May 11, 2023}

According to Columbia University policy, the COVID-19 primary series or one bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is required for all students enrolled in clinical programs, unless a formal medical exemption is granted.

One dose of the bivalent vaccine is recommended for anyone who has not yet had one.
Columbia University accepts all vaccines authorized/approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization.
You may request a medical exemption, in accordance with New York State public health laws. Religious exemptions are not permitted per New York State Department of Health policies and regulations.
You must complete the vaccine process at least 14 days before first accessing any Article 28 spaces to ensure you are considered fully vaccinated at the time of first access.
All vaccine documentation must be uploaded to our Student Health Portal.

Bivalent Vaccine/Booster Eligibility

You are eligible for a bivalent vaccine/booster if one of the following applies:

You have never been vaccinated against COVID-19 or did not complete your primary series.
It's been two months since the last dose of your J&J, Novavax, Pfizer, or Moderna series (or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine).
It’s been four months since your first bivalent vaccine/booster and you meet the criteria for high-risk COVID-19 infection, including being over the age of 65 or immunocompromised.
It has been three months since your last COVID-19 infection, and you have never received a bivalent vaccine.

Vaccines/Boosters Received from CUIMC Student Health on Haven

Student Health on Haven is offering the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible CUIMC students by appointment only; please schedule by visiting the Student Health Portal.

Once logged in, click on ‘Appointments’, and select ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Booster’.
From there, please choose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

For questions, email Studenthealthonhaven@cumc.columbia.edu. If you received a vaccine and/or booster from CUIMC Student Health on Haven your records will be updated automatically, and you will not need to upload records. You may view verification at any time by accessing the ‘Immunizations’ section of the Student Health Portal.

Vaccines/Boosters Received from Other Sites

COVID-19 vaccine/booster appointments can be made via vaccinetogetherny.org or through your Connect account (if you use ColumbiaDoctors providers).

Additionally, the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is available at many pharmacies and other locations in the metropolitan New York City area.

The COVID Vaccine Finder by State can help you find a convenient location in your community.
You may also text your local zipcode to 438829 (GETVAX). You will receive a text with information about vaccine locations near you.
Be sure to bring your CDC vaccination card with you so the booster may be recorded.

If you received a vaccine/booster as a requirement for clinical responsibilities from any site other than Student Health on Haven (including any other University-run vaccination site), you must upload your vaccine documentation in the ‘Medical Clearances’ section of the Student Health Portal. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes, but is not limited, to the following:

CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Card
WHO Vaccine Booklet
Documentation provided by a health care professional/organization/country

You must submit all documentation in English or accompanied by a certified translation (at the student’s expense).

Verification of documentation is at the sole discretion of Student Health on Haven. Additional information or documentation may be requested and must be provided to verify a submission.

Uploading Your Documentation

All CUIMC students should use our Student Health Portal to upload vaccination documentation, including any applicable booster dose information. Student Health on Haven will review the documentation and reach out to students if additional information is needed or if the documentation submitted is insufficient.

Download Instructions on How to Upload Your Vaccination Documentation (PDF).

All records must include the following:

Student Name
Date of Birth
Name of vaccine received
Date of vaccination(s)
Provider name, signature, or stamp

Medical Exemptions

You may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical contraindications to the vaccine. Students wishing to request an exemption must submit the required request forms to the Student Health Portal. You must submit your exemption request at least 30 business days before your first planned campus access to Article 28 spaces. We will not expedite late submissions.

All exemption requests are reviewed by an expert panel and all students submitting a request will receive a response, in writing, within 2 weeks of their submission. Requests without sufficient documentation will be denied. All requests are considered and reviewed, but approval is not guaranteed. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Submit a Medical Exemption Request

Privacy Policy

Student Health on Haven makes every effort to protect the privacy of submitted information. Please review our Vaccination Status Privacy Notice for more details.