Duke strongly recommends getting up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19, especially for those with conditions that place them at higher risk. However, effective May 11 current and new students, faculty and staff who do not work in a healthcare environment are no longer required to receive the primary or booster vaccinations. Duke will also continue to offer the primary and booster vaccinations free of charge to all students, faculty and staff.
Duke Health–which includes the Duke University Health System, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Private Diagnostic Clinic, and Duke Health Integrated Practice–still requires its faculty and staff to receive the primary series of the COVID vaccination (as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid), but booster vaccinations are no longer required, effective April 3. All health science students will continue to follow the same protocols as Duke Health.
Requirements
Health Science Students
Health science students are required to complete a WHO-approved COVID vaccine series prior to participation in on-campus activities. Duke also recommends students receive a booster dose when eligible per CDC guidelines.
New Duke Health Employees
Newly hired Duke Health employees (including Duke University Health System, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Private Diagnostic Clinic, and Duke Health Integrated Practice) will be required, at a minimum, to have received a single dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccination or a Duke-approved medical or religious exemption (see below) prior to their start of work date. Employees receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will be expected to complete the initial series within 30 days from their initial dose.
Once new hires have a NetID and password, they can submit documentation of vaccination through Duke's VaxTrax online form.
Duke Manager's COVID Responsibilities for New Hires
Duke Health requires new hires to have their first dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption (see below) before they start work.
The hiring manager is responsible to ensure their new hire becomes fully compliant with the vaccination policy if they begin work and are not yet eligible to complete the initial vaccination series .
INITIAL VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: Duke Health
Duke University Health System, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, Duke Health Integrated Practice, and the Private Diagnostic Clinic require all health science students and employees to provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 initial series within 28 days of their eligibility under CDC and state guidelines. Students were required to submit documentation through Student Health Services, while faculty and staff used VaxTrax.
Exemptions
Health science students should email immunizations@duke.edu to request a medical or religious exemption form.
Duke employees can find exemption forms below:
- Medical Exemption Form
- Religious Exemption Form (coming soon)
Outside Vaccination Reporting
If you received the COVID-19 vaccine outside of the Duke Employee/Student vaccination clinic (e.g. pharmacy, health department, other institution), please submit your completed vaccination card to Duke Employee Health or Duke Student Health so your records can be updated accordingly.