COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

Medical Services

This page contains details on COVID-19 immunization requirements, submitting proof of immunization, and requesting exemptions. For complete, up-to-date information on University policies and protocols regarding coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, please see https://www.du.edu/coronavirus.
 

University of Denver COVID-19 Immunization Requirements

Consistent with recommendations from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), and in consultation with our health partner, National Jewish Health, DU is requiring students, faculty and staff who are living, learning, or working in person to be up-to-date with vaccinations against COVID-19 before returning for fall term. This requirement applies to individuals who are studying or working in person as part of their DU role, even if the in-person activity does not occur on campus (e.g., study abroad, other off-campus programs, or conducting DU business in other locations).

As defined by the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), You are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible. Please review the CDC's information on Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines.

DU may require individuals who are not up-to-date with vaccinations against COVID-19 to follow additional mitigation protocols, such as quarantining before arriving on campus, after travel, or following exposure to COVID-19, more frequent testing, social distancing, and wearing face coverings.

Consistent with our approach across the pandemic, we will remain nimble in response to changing conditions on campus and focus on protecting and promoting the health and well-being of DU students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.

Submitting Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

To provide proof of vaccination, upload a photograph of your completed vaccine card (instructions below). Your photo should clearly identify the type of vaccine, the date(s) on which you received it, and the provider. You must upload your vaccine card even if you were vaccinated on campus.

  1. Log into the MyHealth portal.
  2. Select MEDICAL CLEARANCES on the left side bar.
  3. Click UPDATE next to COVID Vaccine.
  4. Click UPLOAD.
  5. Attach and upload your file(s).
  6. Click ADD IMMUNIZATION.
  7. Enter the date you received your vaccination.
  8. Select the matching vaccination type from the drop down menu.
  9. Click SAVE.
  10. Click DONE.

After the Health & Counseling Center has reviewed your record, you will receive a confirmation message. If your vaccine record is approved and you are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, your status on the campus access portal will change to “vaccinated.” For questions about accessing MyHealth or for help uploading, contact info@hcc.du.edu.

Exemptions to the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

DU recognizes that not every individual is in a position to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at this time. Accordingly, DU established a process to consider requests for certain limited exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Through that process, the Health & Counseling Center will consider requests for exemptions due to medical and non-medical reasons. DU may reconsider the availability of certain exemptions based on changing conditions on campus, in the surrounding community, or the state, in addition to changes in public health orders and/or guidance and/or developments related to the COVID-19 vaccines.

To submit an exemption request, please download, complete, sign, and upload the applicable form or required documentation. This exemption information is specific to COVID-19 vaccination only. If you are requesting exemption from other vaccinations, such as the MMR vaccination requirement or the flu vaccination requirement, these exemption requests must be filed individually.

Please note that submission of a request for exemption does not constitute a request for accommodation related to your participation in academic or other programs as a student at DU. You will need to contact the Disability Services Program for further information.

Please also note that submission of a request for exemption does not constitute a request for disability-related accommodations associated with your employment and you will need to contact the ADA Coordinator to discuss relevant accommodations. Submission of a request for exemption does not constitute a request for religious accommodations related to your employment. You will need to contact Human Resources & Inclusive Community to engage in the interactive accommodation process.

Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions must be requested by submitting a letter or statement signed by an advanced practice nurse or physician licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine in any state or territory of the United States indicating the clinically supported reason(s) you should not receive a COVID-19 vaccination. This letter must include the time period for which the exemption is valid. 

Non-medical Exemptions

Personal or religious exemptions must be requested by submitting the Non-Medical Exemption form. These exemptions require a statement from the individual (or a parent/guardian if the individual is under 18 years of age), stating that the vaccine violates sincerely held religious or personal beliefs. Non-medical exemptions must be renewed annually.

Non-Medical Exemption form for 2022-2023 year. Exemption valid through July 30, 2023

Now available through DocuSign for fully electronic processing: Non-Medical COVID-19 Exemption form for 2022-2023 year. Exemption valid through July 30, 2023

Submitting Your Exemption Request

Follow these steps to submit the form:

  1. Log into the MyHealth portal.
  2. Select DOWNLOADABLE FORMS on the left side bar.
  3. Locate the COVID-19 EXEMPTION FORM.
  4. Select UPLOAD.
  5. Attach and upload the form.

If you are unable to upload, you may email the form to info@hcc.du.edu or fax it to 303-871-4242. Please include your DU ID number, first and last name with all communications.

After the Health & Counseling Center has reviewed your request for exemption, you will receive notification in MyHealth. If HCC approves your exemption request, your vaccination status on the campus access portal will change to "exempt." For questions about accessing MyHealth or for help uploading, contact info@hcc.du.edu.

If DU moves to elevated alert levels, those with an approved exemption may be required to adhere to additional mitigation protocols, which may include more frequent testing, mandatory mask wearing indoors and outdoors in groups of five or more, and quarantine following travel or exposure.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The HCC/DU recognizes that mandatory vaccination requirements may place undue burden on communities of color and those with trauma related to historical and contemporary experiences with medical care. We are relying on your compliance as we work to keep our communities safe. We have made efforts to remove barriers to care such as cost and access and follow the most rigorous scientific evidence available when providing and recommending healthcare to students. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the vaccination process, please reach out for support.

A list of resources and contact information listed in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion support webpage can be found here: https://www.du.edu/equity/dei-covid-19-resources

Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS)

The University of Denver Health & Counseling Center participates in the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS). Immunizations given at the DU HCC will be entered into CIIS. Other information such as past immunization records provided to the DU HCC, gender, and the office where each shot is given will be included in the registry to be sure that your record is accurate and cannot be confused with another patient's. Your address will also be included in the system to allow your health care provider to send you a card to remind you are due for an immunization. All information entered into CIIS is secure and confidential.

Under Colorado State Law, you can exclude your immunization information from participation. If you would like to opt out, please complete the form on the CIIS opt-out procedures page and provide a copy to CIIS as directed on the form.