Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19
Which COVID-19 vaccines are accepted?
Pfizer or Moderna vaccines given after September 1, 2022 or you can wait to receive the 2023-2024 updated Pfizer or Moderna (XBB.1.5) monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccine is anticipated to be available for use at the end of September 2023.
You may also complete a declination to opt out of the vaccine requirement for COVID-19. No medical/religious waivers are needed.
Where can I find current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations?
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the CDC update COVID-19 vaccination recommendations frequently. All ACIP COVID-19 vaccine recommendations that have been published by CDC in MMWR can be accessed via the CDC website.
I recently recovered from COVID-19. Should I wait to get a vaccine?
If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, UCLA is following CDC guidelines. Although not required, people who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection may consider delaying a COVID-19 vaccine dose by up to 3 months from symptom onset or positive test (if infection was asymptomatic). According to CDC, increasing the time between infection and vaccination may result in an improved immune response to vaccination. Among vaccine recipients at increased risk of post-vaccination myocarditis (e.g., adolescent and adult males younger than age 40), an increased interval also may reduce the rare risk of myocarditis after vaccination. A recipient’s individual risks for severe disease and current COVID-19 conditions in the community should be taken into account when deciding whether to delay vaccination up to 3 months after infection.
I am abroad and the vaccine is not available. Can I get vaccinated when I arrive?
International students that cannot obtain a COVID vaccine are encouraged to plan ahead and schedule an appointment for a COVID vaccine upon arrival in the US. Once vaccinated, upload your COVID vaccine information on The Ashe Center Patient Portal by clicking on the Medical Clearance tab.
What if I already received a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized in the United States, do I need to get revaccinated?
It depends. To be cleared for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, you must submit documentation of vaccination or declination. CDC recommends that all people receive an updated (2023–2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their most recent previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine. You may also complete a declination to opt out of the vaccine requirement for COVID-19. No medical/religious waivers are needed.
I am an international student. Where should I submit my documentation for my COVID-19 vaccination for clearance/ compliance?
Students can upload their COVID-19 vaccine information on The Ashe Center Patient Portal by clicking on the Medical Clearance tab.
Are medical exceptions or disability or religious accommodations allowed?
A medical, disability or religious exception is not needed for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you need to opt out of the COVID-19 vaccine, simply submit a declination on The Ashe Center Patient Portal by clicking on the Medical Clearance tab. The declination option is at the bottom of the screen.