As we look forward to welcoming you to the Immunizations may be required to enter the United States and also to study at The University of Tennessee next semester, we wanted to make you aware of a new vaccination requirement for travelers entering the United States. You can read the full policy on the Center for Disease Control's website and the White House announcement. Please read our summary below carefully and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the policy?
To enter the United States, all travelers must show two documents:
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
A negative COVID test taken three days before travel.
Does this policy apply to me?
This policy applies to all non-immigrant travelers. If you have an F-1, J-1, J-2, or F-2 visa, you are considered a non-immigrant.
Does this policy apply to my dependents?
Yes. However, children under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated.
Are there exemptions to this policy?
Yes. To read a full list, please refer to the CDC website. Here are the two exemptions most likely to fit your situation:
You are not medically able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
You are a citizen of a country with low-vaccine availability, as defined by the CDC. This list is available on the CDC website.
I am a citizen from a low-vaccine country. How does this affect me?
You do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter the U.S. You will have to show a negative COVID test taken within one day of travel. According to the policy, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of your arrival to the United States. Vaccinations are available free of charge at the University of Tennessee Student Health Center. Vaccinations are also widely available at pharmacies and other clinics in Knoxville.
I do not want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for personal, moral, or religious reasons. What can I do?
According to the CDC, exemptions are not available for these reasons. If you do not qualify for another exemption, you will be denied entry to the United States. If you are from a low-vaccine available country, and are not vaccinated within 60 days of arrival, you will be in violation of U.S. Immigration Policies.
Which vaccines are accepted? What type of documents do I need to show?
Please refer to the CDC for all specific details. Also, check with your airline to see if they have additional requirements since they are responsible for screening travelers.
We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you soon! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this information or anything else as you prepare to travel, Knoxville.
Immunizations for Travel
All non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrants traveling to the United States are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This policy includes F-1 and J-1 students. For details, please refer to the Center for Disease Control.
Immunizations for Study
All new incoming UT Knoxville students, including undergraduate, graduate, transfer, law school, and veterinary medicine students are required to present proof of adequate immunizations and tuberculosis (TB) requirements. More information and a link to the Student Health Portal are available through the Student Health Center.
All students are required to submit proof of:
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine – Proof of immunizations with two doses at least 28 days apart or (+) antibody titers for any student born after 1 Jan 1957 is required.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine – Proof of immunizations with two doses at least 28 days apart or a (+) antibody titer is required
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire and, if subsequently required, a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment must be submitted.
Students living on campus are ALSO required to submit proof of:
Meningitis ACWY Vaccines – All new incoming students who are under 22 years of age and will be residing in on-campus housing, must have documentation of the Meningococcal Serogroup A, C, W, and Y Vaccine given on or after their 16th birthday or they will not be permitted to move into on-campus housing.
Other currently recommended, but not required, immunizations include:
Hepatitis B Vaccine – Proof of immunizations with a three-dose regimen or a (+) antibody titer is required for all Health Science students.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine
Primary Polio series
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
Covid-19 vaccine
Influenza vaccine
Students can request a religious or medical exemption to the immunizations requirement by completing and submitting the immunizations exemption form. Medical exemptions require the signature of a health care provider.
Students can submit their immunizations records or the immunizations exemption form online using the Student Health patient portal.
For questions, please contact immunizations@utk.edu.