COVID Vaccination Requirements for All MUSM Students
Based on current conditions and guidance from public health officials, the University now requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all students in health science programs with clinical experiences. By doing so, the schools and colleges can facilitate students’ clinical placements and enable students to complete program requirements and licensure requirements, if applicable, while meeting accreditation requirements.
ALL students enrolled in School of Medicine programs are required to have the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the start of the term and the second dose by August 31 (in a two-dose series) or the single dose by the start of the term.
Exemptions from compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination policy include:
- Medical exemption: The individual must submit a written directive from a physician who has treated the person and is knowledgeable about the person’s health status. The directive must be based on recognized medical exceptions and individual need.
- Religious exemption: The individual must submit a written statement based on the tenets of an organized religion that prohibits vaccinating its members.
Exemption requests should be sent to your dean’s office and the Office of the Provost at provost@mercer.edu.
Please note: Exemptions may fundamentally alter your program, and program progression may be delayed. In some cases, the student may not be able to continue in the health science program. Accommodation questions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Office of Access and Accommodations. Students with approved exemptions or those who choose to remain unvaccinated for the coronavirus may be advised to consider careers other than health science.
Under current University protocols, unvaccinated students are expected to wear masks in indoor common areas on campus. Physical distancing on campus is strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals. Contact your program coordinator, dean’s office, or the Office of the Provost at provost@mercer.edu if you have a question.
