COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ:
The Governor of Ohio announced on March 16 that residents of Ohio over the age of 16 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 29. Does this include international students?
Yes, anyone residing in Ohio who is over the age of 16 will be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 29. Note that the vaccine is not yet available to students at the Miami University Health Center, but you may schedule an appointment through any other provider that is currently offering the vaccine. We recommend utilizing Ohio's centralized vaccine scheduling website, which serves as a singular resource to confirm vaccine eligibility, identify nearby providers, and schedule vaccine appointments.
Which vaccines are available? Which one will I receive?
There are currently three vaccines authorized for emergency use in the US: Pfizer (2 doses, 21 days apart), Moderna (2 doses, 28 days apart), and Johnson & Johnson (1 dose). You may not know which vaccine you are receiving until you arrive for your appointment, as providers often do not know in advance which vaccine they will receive on a given day. If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you should schedule your second dose with the same provider.
What are the side effects of the vaccines?
You can read about the possible side effects of the vaccine on the CDC website.
What are the guidelines on safety measures we should follow after being vaccinated?
You can review the recommendations for fully vaccinated people on the CDC website.
What documents, if any, will international students have to show in order to get the vaccine?
The requirement to present identification seems to vary from provider to provider. We recommend bringing an official form of photo identification (driver license or passport), Miami University ID card, and your health insurance card.
Will the Aetna student insurance cover the cost of the vaccine?
Yes. The cost of the vaccine itself is free (federally-funded), but Aetna will reimburse for the cost of the provider doing the vaccination if the site chooses to bill insurance. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you to your vaccine appointment.
When will Miami begin offering the vaccine to students?
Miami University has begun offering the vaccine to certain employees and is working towards being able to offer it to the entire community. You are encouraged to check here for updates on when and how that is occurring.
Will international students be able to obtain the vaccine when they return to campus in August if they have not already received the vaccine elsewhere?
Given that the vaccine will be available to the public in Ohio beginning March 29, we are confident that students will be able to obtain the vaccine when they return to campus in August if they're interested in doing so.
Will Miami require students, staff and faculty to be vaccinated?
Miami does not intend to require the vaccination at this time. However, all members of the Miami University community are strongly encouraged to obtain the vaccine when possible. International students may choose to obtain the vaccine in their home country if possible, or may obtain it upon returning to Ohio. You should provide your immunization record to Miami through MedProctor.
Will students returning to the US from abroad for fall semester be required to quarantine?
We do not yet know what the quaratnine requirements will be in the fall, as these policies often evolve and shift. Please continue to watch for updated information.
Where I can get more information about the COVID-related guidelines for traveling internationally?
We recommend reviewing the information on the CDC website for up-to-date information, recommendations, and requirements for traveling internationally during COVID-19.
