College Vaccination Requirements

Columbia College Chicago requires all students to be vaccinated. Visit the Student Guidance page for more information. 

Vaccination for employees is not required but is strongly encouraged. 

All individuals who need to submit proof of vaccination, can find instructions on the Upload your Vaccination Card page.

Note: Students who are not vaccinated due to a college-approved exemption will have to be tested for COVID-19 on campus once a week.

Students with questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination policy, how to submit their COVID-19 vaccination card, and how to request an exemption can email columbiacentral@colum.edu.  

• I lost my vaccination card. What should I do?
  If you have lost your vaccination card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record.

  • If you cannot contact your vaccination provider directly, contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). You can find state IIS information on the CDC website. Vaccination providers are required to report COVID-19 vaccinations to their IIS and related systems.
  • If you enrolled in v-safe or VaxText after your first vaccine dose, you can access your vaccination information using those tools.
  • If you have made every effort to locate your vaccination information, are unable to get a copy or replacement of your vaccination card, and still need a second shot, talk to a vaccination provider.
• How does Columbia define fully vaccinated?

  Being fully vaccinated means that you have received all required doses of the vaccine and the mandatory number of weeks have lapsed since your last dose.

  According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.

• Do I have to be vaccinated at Columbia, or can I get my vaccine elsewhere?

  You do not have to be vaccinated through Columbia. We recommend that you select the vaccine provider that can provide you with the earliest possible appointment.

  The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Health are also administering doses along with other, private medical providers. If you live outside of Illinois, please inquire about vaccination resources in your home state.

  Here are additional vaccination resources: 

  • Illinois Vaccination Locations
  • Cook County Department of Public Health Vaccine Information 
  • City of Chicago Vaccine Finder
• If I come to campus for purposes of vaccination, will I have to take a COVID-19 test?
  Those coming to campus to receive their vaccine are not required to take the COVID-19 test prior to receiving vaccination.

• Why is Columbia requiring all students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

  Columbia is requiring all students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because we have determined that it is essential to the health and well-being of the campus community. Ensuring that students are vaccinated will help Columbia maximize opportunities for in-person courses and social and cultural opportunities.

• How can I submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an eligible exemption to Columbia?
  Columbia accepts off-campus COVID-19 vaccination records from students via MedProctor. Students can find instructions for submitting their records on the Immunization website. Please be aware that it will take 5 business days before your vaccination status has been processed and your card will be activated. If your card is not activated, you will not be permitted to enter campus.
• I am participating in Semester in LA. Does this policy apply to me?

  Yes, students participating in Semester in LA for the current semester are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination via MedProctor. Students living in our student housing in LA must submit their proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to move in. 

• I have a religious belief that prohibits me from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?

  If you have a religious belief that prevents you from receiving any vaccines, you may be granted a religious exemption. To request a religious exemption, you must complete and sign our vaccination exemption request form detailing your objection to immunization on religious grounds. The form must state the specific religious belief that conflicts with the immunization.

  You can download the vaccination exemption request form by logging into your MedProctor.com account. Your completed form must be uploaded to your MedProctor account. Students can find instructions for submitting their records via MedProctor on the Immunization website. 

  If you are granted a religious exemption, you will be required to test for COVID-19 when seeking entry to a college facility and are subject to the college's Regular COVID-19 testing requirement.

• I have a medical condition that prohibits me from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?

  If you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving any vaccines, you may be granted a medical exemption. To request a medical exemption, you must submit a note from a licensed medical doctor explaining the nature and duration of the medical condition and identifying the specific vaccines that you cannot receive. Your doctor’s note must be uploaded to your MedProctor account. Students can find instructions for submitting their records via MedProctor on the Immunization website. 

  If you are granted a medical exemption, you will be required to test for COVID-19 when seeking entry to a college facility and are subject to the college's Regular COVID-19 testing requirement.

• All of my Fall 2022 courses are online and I do not plan to enter campus. Am I still required to submit proof of vaccination?
  Columbia's vaccination policy applies to all students who need to enter campus facilities for any reason during the Fall 2022 semester. Students without a verified vaccination record or approved medical or religious exemption will not be granted access to college buildings, and they will be restricted from registering for Spring 2023 courses.
• I was vaccinated in my country for COVID-19, and the vaccine is not FDA approved. What should I do?

  You will need to submit the vaccination records from your country via MedProctor and will not be required to be re-vaccinated with a FDA-approved vaccine. However, you will have the option of being re-vaccinated on campus (or through another provider) if you choose to do so. Students can find instructions for submitting their records on the Immunization website.

• I have more questions about Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. Who should I ask?

  If you have additional questions regarding Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, please email covid19info@colum.edu.

• Is Columbia requiring employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

  No, however the College strongly encourages all employees to be vaccinated for their health and the well-being of the collective campus community. Vaccinations will also help Columbia maximize opportunities for in-person courses and social and cultural opportunities.

• I received my first dose somewhere else. Can I receive my second dose at Columbia (or vice versa)?

  No, you must receive your first and second dose from Columbia if you are vaccinated through the Columbia College vaccination site.

• I have more questions vaccination, who should I ask?

  If you have additional questions regarding Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, please email covid19info@colum.edu.