Top FAQs

Why is GW requiring those who will be on campus to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

GW requires students, faculty, staff and postdocs to receive the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster, unless they receive an approved exemption. 

What COVID-19 vaccines are accepted?

GW will accept any vaccine authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). The list of current FDA-authorized vaccines are available online. Authorized WHO vaccines are listed here.

What if I don’t want to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

GW requires students, faculty, staff and postdocs to receive the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster, unless they receive an approved exemption. Information on requesting an exemption is available here.

What if I am not able to get a COVID-19 vaccine by the time I need to be on campus?

We will exercise discretion in enforcing the mandate for those who have extenuating circumstances that are beyond their control and that will cause delays in vaccination.

If I am designated “full-time remote” am I still required to get the vaccination?

Yes, all staff members regardless of work designation are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they receive an approved exemption.

Can I be tested for COVID-19 instead of receiving a vaccine?

Routine COVID-19 testing will not replace the requirement for vaccination.

If I am a student over the age of 26, am I still required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, all students are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they plan to attend classes in person or participate in any in-person campus activity or for online students who need to come onto campus for a school-related reason. (This is a requirement for faculty and staff as well.)

Students under the age of 26 must submit records of all required childhood immunizations in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine. 

For questions, please email [email protected].

How do current students, faculty, staff and postdocs provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination?

The only way to demonstrate compliance is to upload your vaccine record in the medical portal. Each upload is reviewed and verified, so it may take up to a week before your status reads “compliant” in the portal. Please see the instructions for uploading proof of vaccination.

I am a new GW student, faculty, staff member or a postdoc. How do I provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination?

The COVID-19 vaccine will be included as part of GW’s immunization requirements for students. 

For students, faculty, staff and postdocs: Once you have received the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster, upload your documentation to the medical portal. Your documentation is verified manually and may take up to a week to register in the system due to the volume of submissions. Instructions on how to upload your documentation are available online.

GW’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Fall 2023 New, Incoming Students

All new, incoming undergraduate students (first-years and transfers) must upload their vaccine documentation by June 15, 2023. If you are not in compliance with GW’s vaccine and booster requirement, you will not be able to move into your residence halls and will not be able to register for fall classes on your designated registration day.  

All new, incoming graduate, law and medical students must upload their COVID-19 vaccination documentation and have it verified before they are able to register for fall classes based on their program’s registration schedule.  

I lost my COVID-19 vaccine documentation. How do I get a replacement?

If you received your vaccine from GW, please email [email protected].

You may also contact your vaccination site directly or your state's health department. A list of immunization records by state can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

The Booster Requirement

What is GW's booster requirement?

All GW students, faculty, staff and postdocs are required to receive the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster, unless they receive an approved exemption.

The booster requirement aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation and is part of our ongoing efforts to keep the GW community healthy and safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

You must receive a booster dose and upload documentation to the medical portal as soon as you become eligible. Instructions on how to upload documentation are online. 

If you currently have a medical or religious exemption to GW’s vaccine requirement, the booster mandate does not apply to you. However, you must continue to follow required campus health protocols. 

Where can I get a booster?

To find a COVID-19 vaccine and booster near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.

In Virginia, GW Nursing is partnering with My Dr's Pharmacy to administer COVID-19 boosters; appointments are required.

Many local health departments, retail pharmacies and doctors offices also offer the COVID-19 booster.

Why is a booster important?

Although the current COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect you from severe COVID-19 infections that result in hospitalization or death, the vaccines become less effective over time in preventing infections. Clinical studies have demonstrated that a vaccine booster dose will increase immune response to COVID-19.

What counts as a booster dose?

A booster dose is an additional dose after your primary vaccination for COVID-19. If you received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, a third dose of any FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine counts as a booster. If you received a Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a second dose of any FDA- or -WHO-approved vaccine counts as a booster.

Can I get any type of vaccine as my booster?

Yes. Mixing of vaccines is allowed. Your booster can be from any FDA- or WHO-approved manufacturer, even if it is not the same as your primary COVID-19 vaccine. There is some evidence that mixing vaccines from different manufacturers may provide a more robust immune response. If you are unsure of what kind of booster to receive, contact your healthcare provider, Student Health Center (students) or Occupational Health (faculty and staff).

If I had COVID-19 previously, when can I receive a booster dose?

You can receive a COVID-19 booster dose as soon as you are out of your isolation and are symptom-free.  If you received monoclonal antibodies, you must wait 90 days. 

Can I access campus if I have a temporary extension to the booster dose mandate?

Yes, you may access campus if you have a temporary extension for the booster mandate. You should contact the Student Health Center (students) or Occupational Health (faculty and staff) to request a temporary extension.

How do I request a temporary extension from the booster mandate?

If you need a temporary extension due to a recent COVID infection, recent treatment with monoclonal antibodies or booster availability, contact the Student Health Center (students) or Occupational Health (faculty and staff).

How do I upload booster dose documentation to the medical portal?

• Take a photo or scan your booster dose record, and keep a copy for your own records.  Log into the medical portal.
• Click on the "Enter My COVID-19 Vaccination Information" button on the Home screen.
• On the pop-up window, click the "Upload" button to upload a copy or photo of your booster dose record (you are not required to enter any dates). 

The Student Health Center (students) or Occupational Health (faculty and staff) will review your booster dose record and add it to your medical record. This is a manual process and may take up to a week for your record to be updated.

 

If I am designated “full-time remote” am I still required to get the COVID booster?

Yes, all staff members regardless of work designation are required to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccine, unless they receive an approved exemption.

Does GW require the bivalent COVID-19 booster dose?

A bivalent booster dose (produced by both Pfizer and Moderna) is recommended by the CDC for anyone who has received at least a primary series and is at least two months from their last dose of vaccine. Though GW is not requiring the bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine for its students, faculty and staff, the university strongly encourages all to get it at the appropriate time. Both of the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines include a component of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain plus a component of the Omicron variant to provide broader protection against COVID-19.

Can I still get COVID-19 after receiving a booster dose?

Yes, you can test positive for COVID-19 even if you’ve been fully vaccinated and received a booster dose.

COVID-19 vaccines aren’t designed to prevent infection entirely, or even infection that you can transmit to others. The vaccines are designed to keep the amount of coronavirus in your body low enough to prevent severe illness.

Vaccine and Booster Exemptions

How do students request an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirements?

Students seeking exemption from any of the immunization and booster requirements for medical or religious reasons must submit:

If you are seeking an exemption due to a good faith religious objection, you must submit a personal letter explaining how the vaccination violates your religious beliefs. If you are seeking an exemption for medical reasons, a personal statement of need for a medical exemption, and a letter from the attending clinician may be required.  Upload your documents to the medical portal. The Student Health Center may contact you if there are questions or to seek clarification regarding the information provided. For questions, please email [email protected].

How do faculty and staff members submit a medical or religious exemption?

You will first need to complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption Request Form indicating that you are seeking an exemption and upload it through the portal. Instructions are available online.  Medical exemption requests are reviewed by Occupational Health. Religious exemption requests are routed to the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Access (EEOA) for review and approval. Upon reviewing your request the EEOA Office or Occupational Health may contact you if there are questions or to seek clarification regarding what you have stated in your request. If you have questions, you can contact the EEOA Office at [email protected] or 202- 994-9656. You can contact Occupational Health at 202-677-6230 or [email protected].

What are valid medical reasons to request a medical exemption?

The most common reason to receive a medical exemption is a known allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients. If you have other health-related reasons you think would prevent you from getting the vaccine, your request will be evaluated by Student Health (for students) or Occupational Health (for faculty and staff). You may be asked to provide documentation from your health care provider to support your request.

What documents may faculty and staff be asked to provide for a religious accommodation?

If the EEOA Office has questions about the nature of your religious beliefs and/or what kind of accommodation may be appropriate, it may ask that you submit a letter from someone who can attest to your religious or sincerely held belief and/or membership in a church or organization that subscribes to a particular doctrine, faith or observance that might assist in providing documentation for your accommodation request.

If I am granted a religious or medical exemption will I be required to return to campus?

Granting of the religious or medical exemption only means you will not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccination or booster. You are no longer required to test weekly. You may still be required to be on campus, e.g., if you are required to work on campus in whole or in part. If so, you will be required to comply with the university’s health and safety protocols. EEOA will engage in the interactive process with you to consider reasonable accommodations if necessary.

If I get an exemption, what will be required of me while I am on campus?

Those who have an exemption approved are not required to test weekly. If exposed, you will be placed into quarantine for a minimum of seven days.

Do I need to renew my COVID-19 vaccine exemption for the upcoming academic year?

If you have an approved exemption and wish for it to continue, you do not need to take further action. Your exemption will be renewed through June 30, 2023. If your circumstances change and you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, please upload your records to the medical portal.

Exposure and Positive Cases

What happens when someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19?

If you should test positive for COVID-19 either with an at-home antigen test, external PCR test or GW PCR test, GW’s Campus COVID-19 Support Team (CCST) will provide you with information and resources during your isolation period. 

If you:

Tested positive for COVID with an at-home antigen test or an external PCR test:  

• Upload your positive test result to the medical portal as soon as possible. 
• You will receive an email from the CCST with isolation instructions and an electronic survey. The Student Health Center (SHC) will also email students. 
• Do not return to campus until you are out of isolation.

Received a positive COVID test result from GW’s Lab: 

• You will receive an email from the CCST with isolation instructions and an electronic survey. The SHC will also email students.  
• Do not return to campus until you are out of isolation.

If you have questions about GW’s COVID-19 protocols, please email the CCST at [email protected]. 

I have a positive COVID-19 test from outside of GW. How do I report it?

First, stay home and do not come to work or class. If you have any symptoms, contact Student Health (students) or Occupational Health (faculty and staff) for guidance. The outside test should be reported here.  A healthcare provider and the CCST will follow up with you.

Someone in my class tested positive for COVID-19, what do I do?

When someone in a classroom tests positive for COVID-19 and this information is disclosed to CCST via survey, CCST may notify the instructor/teaching assistant. If you are identified as a close contact, you may be personally notified. If you are not personally notified, there is no specific action required on your part. It may take 24-48 hours to send notifications after a case is identified. If at any time you are worried about a possible COVID-19 exposure, you may self-schedule a COVID test at a GW test site.

What do I do if I develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

Fully vaccinated students who develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should contact the Student Health Center at 202-994-5300; faculty and staff should contact Occupational Health at 202-677-6230.  These numbers are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the week by a clinician who can evaluate you for treatment or a referral.

How do I report an external positive COVID-19 test?

GW students, faculty, or staff should upload a positive COVID-19 test result received from outside of a university testing site to the medical portal. Detailed instructions are available here.

COVID-19 Testing

Is routine asymptomatic testing required?

No, routine asymptomatic testing is not required for students, faculty and staff.

Why is testing no longer required?

Our mandatory testing program has given us insights on how COVID-19 is transmitted on campus. At this stage of the pandemic, we find most people who test positive do have symptoms (often mild) and we think that they can decide on the basis of their symptoms to schedule testing.  Campus access is not dependent upon compliance with mandatory testing nor will you receive reminders to make appointments.

Will mandatory testing be required in the future?

If COVID-19 cases on campus or in the community spike, or if a new COVID-19 variant arises that is more dangerous or resistant to vaccines or treatment, we may re-institute mandatory testing in the future.

Can I still test if I want to?

Yes! We encourage you to schedule a COVID-19 test through GW at any time. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should schedule a symptomatic test. If you are testing for another reason, and have no symptoms, schedule an asymptomatic test. Schedule online through the medical portal.

I have a religious or medical exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine, am I required to test?

If you are unvaccinated, we strongly recommend that you test on a weekly basis. However, this is no longer mandatory and campus access is not dependent upon mandatory testing.

When should I test for COVID-19?

If you have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 you should stay home, wear a mask, and schedule a symptomatic test as soon as possible. You should test if you have a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 or if directed to test by the CCST after a campus exposure.  It is a good idea to test before and after travel and before or after you have been in large gatherings or events where you may have been exposed.

Am I still required to report an outside COVID-19 test?

If an outside COVID -19 test is positive (PCR or antigen) you must promptly submit the result through the medical portal.  While mandatory testing is stopped (or paused), you are not required to upload a negative outside COVID-19 test.

Why are we not using antigen tests on campus?

Antigen tests are not as sensitive as a PCR test for COVID-19. A single negative antigen test does not rule out COVID-19 with much certainty.  However, if you have a positive antigen test, you most likely have COVID.  We use antigen tests to clear out of isolation status sooner than ten days because a positive antigen test is associated with being contagious to others.

Mask Information

Are masks required on GW's campuses?

As of Monday, Feb. 27, wearing a mask will be optional in most university-owned or -operated facilities, with the following exceptions: masks will still be required for 10 days following a positive COVID-19 test and in university health care facilities, including the Student Health Center and the GW Medical Faculty Associates buildings.

Where can I pick up an N95 mask on campus?

All students, faculty and staff can pick up free N95 masks at our test centers and other locations on our campuses.

Why is an N95 mask recommended?

N95 masks protect from aerosol transmission of the virus, especially indoors.  While no mask provides 100 percent protection, a N95 mask is more protective than double masking or wearing single-layer masks.

Should I replace my N95 mask or respirator that’s required in my healthcare or high-risk laboratory setting?

No, N95 masks distributed for general campus use should not replace an N95 mask or respirator that is required in some occupational settings where fit testing is required.

How do I put on an N95 mask?

Fit-testing is not required for general use on campus. Please follow the directions below to ensure your N95 mask fits snugly.

• Remove your mask from the package with clean hands.
• Unfold the mask and pull the bands outward on both ends.
• Position the mask on your face with the adjustable metal strip facing up on the bridge of your nose.
• Place the two bands over your head.
• Press down on the metal strip lightly to ensure the mask is securely sealed.

Facial hair may create a poor seal and can reduce the effectiveness of an N95 mask. It is recommended that there is no facial hair in areas where the mask contacts the face. The CDC has additional information and suggested facial hairstyles that work better with N95 masks.  An instructional video is also available.

Is one type of mask better than others?

Select a mask type that has two or more layers of breathable fabric and that completely covers your nose and mouth. Please see the CDC website for guidance on preferred types of masks.

The use of N95, KN95 or double masking is strongly encouraged.

 

Visitor Information

What is GW's visitors policy?

Visitors are not required to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a recent negative COVID-19 test. This applies to attendees at events in GW venues (Smith Center, Lisner Auditorium, Jack Morton Auditorium, etc.) except where expressly stated.

Does a guest need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

No, visitors and guests do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test and are no longer required to verify full vaccination against COVID-19, except where expressly stated. 

Campus Access

How can I get access to campus?

GW requires students, faculty, staff and postdocs to receive the primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster, unless they receive an approved exemption. Campus access through a GWorld card is granted to those in compliance with this requirement. 

International Students, Faculty and Staff

Will GW provide COVID-19 vaccines for international students, faculty and staff who cannot get U.S. FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccines before arriving in the fall?

To find a COVID-19 vaccine and booster near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.

What do I do if I am an international student, faculty or staff member currently living in the United States and want to get the vaccine?

To find a COVID-19 vaccine and booster near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.