COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Information
Campus-wide vaccination and boosters are the best defense against severe illness from COVID-19. Combined with masking and regular viral testing, a high vaccination rate and booster rate in Harvard’s community are critical components of the University’s multi-layered health and safety measures. These measures will help protect our community and enable us to return to as much in-person learning, research, and activity as possible.
Below, you’ll find information on:
Harvard University vaccination rates
Vaccination rates are based on the number of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
Data as of January 13, 2022. We will continue to update the vaccination rates as needed.
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97%
of Employees Vaccinated
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98%
of Students Vaccinated
Vaccine & booster requirements
The University is requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all Harvard community members and COVID-19 boosters for all eligible community members. This includes students, faculty, staff, and researchers. Vaccines and boosters must be FDA- or WHO-authorized. If you’re unable to access an FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine, the University will offer vaccination with an mRNA vaccine to all Harvard affiliates with a Harvard ID.
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Booster deadline
The deadline to receive and verify your COVID-19 booster is January 31. If you’re not yet eligible to receive your booster, your deadline to receive and verify your booster will be 30 days after you become eligible.
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Schedule your booster
If you’re unable to get a booster before you return to campus, you will not be barred from entering campus. You will, however, be expected to arrange for the booster as soon as possible. If you received your primary vaccine series outside the United States, you should seek a booster with any WHO-approved vaccine that is available to you (mixing of brands is acceptable). HUHS is hosting booster clinics in the coming weeks. See the scheduling options.
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Verify your booster
See the step-by-step guidance to verify your booster through the HUHS Patient Portal.
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Exemptions
If you have an approved exemption for the vaccine, you don’t need to submit additional documentation for a booster exemption.
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Federal vaccination mandate
Consistent with federal guidance, all Harvard employees, including those who are on 100% remote work status, must be fully vaccinated unless they have an approved exemption. Employees do not have the option to opt for additional testing instead of vaccination.
Plan for your vaccine and booster
At Harvard
HUHS is hosting Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 booster clinics on a weekly basis. All booster clinics will take place in the Monks/Bock Conference Rooms on the 6th Floor of the Smith Campus Center from 12-3 pm.
Appointments are open to all Harvard students, staff, faculty, researchers, and HUHS patients. Log in to the HUHS Patient Portal to schedule your appointment.
In Massachusetts
If you are in Massachusetts, you can register for vaccine and booster shot appointments at state-run sites and also find information about other sites, including pharmacies, through VaxFinder. All individuals 18+ are eligible for a COVID-19 booster in Massachusetts.
Outside Massachusetts
If you are outside Massachusetts, but in the United States, you can use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) nationwide VaccineFinder to schedule your vaccine and booster. You can also check with your state’s Department of Health. Everyone ages 18 and older in the US is eligible for a booster shot.
If you are outside the USA, please check your local and national public health agency.
Already received the vaccine and booster?
Keep your vaccination card safe and make a copy for your files. You never know when that card might be required in the future (for in-person participation in activities, international travel, etc.).
Community members are advised to complete their vaccination and booster (if eligible) as soon as possible and must submit verification to HUHS. Visit the University’s Verify Your Vaccination & Booster webpage to learn how to submit your verification.
Continue to practice healthy habits
All community members, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks indoors and need to be vigilant with other preventative measures.
On-campus testing is still required
All community members with any on-campus presence are required to test at their assigned cadence regardless of whether or not they have received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
Policies for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals
Post-Travel Testing and Quarantine
Quarantine is no longer required for out-of-state travel as long as you are symptom-free and receive a single, negative COVID-19 test after returning to Massachusetts.
Close Contact of a Positive Case
Close contacts should review HUHS’ exposure guidance and quarantine requirements to determine their next steps.