COVID-19 vaccine information for students
In keeping with new COVID-19 vaccination requirements set by state proclamation 21-14.1, our policies have been updated.
Students enrolled in HSIP-participating programs must upload COVID-19 vaccination records into their CastleBranch account.Students will be denied access to health care practicum sites and will not be able to register until their COVID-19 vaccination is verified by CastleBranch/HSIP or their exemption request is approved by the University.
- The deadline for all summer quarter (June) entry students is March 30, 2022.
- The deadline for all autumn quarter entry students is June 1, 2022.
No information concerning COVID vaccinations will be shared with practicum facilities other than to verify a student’s vaccination or exemption status. Students will have access to their COVID vaccination records or exemption documents on their MyCB account on the CastleBranch website. The school or program will have access to COVID vaccination records or exemption documents through administrative access to the CastleBranch website.
Students who submit false or inaccurate information during the verification process are subject to disciplinary procedures that can include dismissal from the University.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR UNVACCINATED STUDENTS: Practicum facilities may deny unvaccinated students access to their site, which may result in an inability to fulfill academic requirements. If you have questions about academic requirements, please contact your school or program.
Acceptable COVID-19 vaccines include Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and vaccines approved for use by the World Health Organization.
Below are the three options for acceptable vaccination documentation:
- Image of a CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card
- Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider, including an electronic health record
- State immunization information system record
Records must include full name, type of vaccine/manufacturer, dates of administration, and name of entity administering the vaccine(s).
There are many places in Washington state and around the Seattle area where you can get vaccinated, including UW Medicine, doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
The Washington State Department of Health also has a COVID-19 vaccine appointment location site and access to single dose Johnson & Johnson.
As of May 14, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may be administered without regard to timing per updated CDC guidance on coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines.
In alignment with University of Washington Medical Center, titers may also be drawn without regard to timing of COVID-19 vaccination.
As of August 31, 2021, CDC recommendations have been updated to allow TB skin tests (PPDs) and interferon release assays (IGRAs) to be administered without regard to timing of COVID-19 vaccination Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines.
Routine vaccines | Okay anytime without regard to COVID-19 vaccination timing, including same day administration |
TB IGRA | Okay anytime without regard to COVID-19 vaccination timing, including same day encounter |
TB skin test (PPD) | Okay anytime without regard to COVID-19 vaccination timing, including same day administration |
Antibody titers | Okay anytime without regard to COVID-19 vaccination timing |
The COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Exemption Form (Word) is available to all students. The form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, ND, ARNP, or PA). The provider completing the form must be licensed in the state of Washington if the HSIP student’s practicum sites are within Washington state.
Submission instructions are provided on the form.
Medical exemption forms are due no later than March 30 for incoming Summer 2022 students and no later than June 1 for incoming Fall 2022 students.
Religious exemptions approved for students participating in HSIP programs are considered temporary. Religious accommodations will not be accepted after CDC adds COVID-19 vaccination to the Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.
The UW COVID-19 Vaccine Student Religious Accommodation Request Form (Word) is now available to all students. BOTH Sections 1 & 2 are required for HSIP students. Section 1 – UW COVID Vaccination Medical Counseling must be completed by a licensed provider (MD, DO, ND, ARNP, or PA). The provider completing the form must be licensed in the state of Washington if the HSIP student’s practicum sites are within Washington state.
Submission instructions are provided on the form. Religious exemption forms are due no later than March 30 for incoming Summer 2022 students and no later than June 1 for incoming Fall 2022 students.
The University of Washington will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with sincerely held religious belief(s), practice(s), or observance(s), unless providing such accommodations would pose an undue hardship.