Will vaccination status be shared with instructors or campus employers?

No, however, it is legal to ask someone their vaccination status. Please see information from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Vaccines are addressed in Section K.  

Will I be completely immune from COVID-19 after I’m fully vaccinated?

• No vaccine is 100% effective and some people will still get COVID-19, but studies show you are much more likely to be able to fight off COVID-19 and reduce spread. The number of fully vaccinated people who will get sick, be hospitalized, or die from COVID-19 is much lower than those who are unvaccinated.
• A person is “fully vaccinated” when they have received all doses of the primary series of vaccines. A person is “up to date” with their COVID-19 vaccinations when they have received all primary doses and the most recent booster dose that is recommended by the CDC or your healthcare provider.
• Additionally, a person may also be up to date with their vaccinations if they have completed the primary series but are not yet due for a booster; have received one booster and are not yet due for the most recent booster; or have received one booster and are not recommended to get a second booster by a health care provider. Keeping your vaccinations up to date will prevent you from becoming seriously ill, hospitalization, long-term infection effects, and even death. For more information visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html 

Why require the COVID-19 vaccine and not others?

We are exploring requiring other vaccinations in the future, as many other universities do. For now, because of the imminent health threat of COVID-19, we have implemented the requirement for this vaccine as a condition of attendance and employment.

Why is GVSU requiring the COVID-19 vaccine?

GVSU has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community are our top concerns. The COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective tool in slowing, and even stopping, the spread of the virus. It reduces disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. The highly transmissible COVID-19 virus has several variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) that continue to be prevalent across the country and in Michigan. Some areas with low vaccination rates are seeing significant increases in their case numbers, including hospitalization rates and intensive care unit occupancy. Unvaccinated people are at the highest risk, and new infections are being seen across all age ranges. For more information visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

Who is required to be vaccinated for COVID-19?

GVSU is requiring all faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have an approved exemption or postponement.

Which GVSU employees are subject to the vaccine requirement?

GVSU employees under the vaccine requirement include all benefit eligible, non-benefit eligible, and temporary employees paid through university payroll.

Where can I get my vaccine?

Vaccines are available now from health care providers, pharmacies, and local health departments. Visit Coronavirus - COVID-19 Vaccine (michigan.gov) for more information.

Periodically there are also vaccine clinics on campus.  Check GVSU Health Hub - Grand Valley State University for more information on GVSU clinics.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

For Fall 2022 at-home COVID tests are available for campus community members (one test will be given per person) at the Kirkhof Center 20/20 Desk, Eberhard Center parking window, College of Health Professions Dean's Office (400 CHS) and Kirkhof College of Nursing Dean's Office (410 DCIH) on the Health Campus.

You can also purchase at-home tests at pharmacies and other stores. You may get tested at your health care provider or other area testing sites.  You can also order Free USPS At-Home Tests and have them shipped to you.

When am I considered up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine?

Here is the latest information from the CDC on the definition of up-to-date.

What if people don’t get vaccinated?

Beginning in October 2021, the university began enforcement of the vaccine requirement. GVSU continues to reach out to those who are not in compliance with the policy to discuss individual circumstances and review how their decisions will affect their relationship with the university.  Since October 2021, some students have had holds placed on their accounts.

Those who are unvaccinated are at a higher risk for becoming seriously ill, hospitalization, long-term infection effects, and even death. Further, unvaccinated adults are 5 times more likely to become infected with the Omicron variant. For those unvaccinated, the CDC recommends both a minimum quarantine of 5 days and a 5-day isolation after testing positive for COVID.

For more information visit the university Vaccination Policy: https://www.gvsu.edu/policies/policy.htm?policyId=7A5958A1-D812-3737-ADB3088C369F2D86&search

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines?

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine, since it does not contain any live or dead virus in it. Based on clinical trial and real-world data, the vaccines are as safe as any vaccines that have been routinely used for the last 40 years. Minimal adverse side effects have been reported and are typical of what is generally seen with other vaccines in widespread use. The most common side effects reported are fever, fatigue, chills, body aches, headaches, nausea and injection site pain. The most frequent side effects being reported in addition to the common side effects listed above are dizziness, weakness (fatigue) and a fast heartbeat. Most of these side effects are short-term and usually resolve within a few days. As the CDC has stated, the five potential severe adverse effects are: anaphylaxis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), myocarditis/pericarditis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), and death.

• Anaphylaxis can occur after a COVID-19 vaccination but is rare. Therefore, there are routine observation periods in place following vaccinations. This period is 15 minutes for the general population, or 30 minutes if a person has had: a contraindication to a different type of COVID vaccine, a history of non-severe or severe, immediate reactions to vaccines, or a history of anaphylaxis.
• Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is very rare, only 4 in 1,000,000 people will experience TTS. Additionally, TTS resulting from vaccination will occur within 2 weeks of receiving the vaccine.
• Myocarditis and pericarditis are most common in young male adults and adolescents. There are laboratory tests that can predetermine individuals’ risk prior to vaccination. Individuals with myocarditis and pericarditis respond well to medicine treatments and rest. 
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is most common in men, aged 50+ years. If an individual has a history of GBS they are recommended to not receive the vaccination; however, family members of the individual are recommended. GBS following vaccination usually occurs in the first 42 days.

The potential benefits strongly outweigh the potential risks, which is something that everyone must consider when receiving any kind of medical treatment. For more information on COVID-19 vaccine safety and side effects, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html

Is it legal for GVSU to require me to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?

Yes, the Equal Employer Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has approved employers requiring the vaccine.

Is it legal for GVSU to ask about my vaccination status?

Yes. Please see this information from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Vaccines are addressed in Section K.  

If I have a health condition, can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Always check with your healthcare provider before you receive any vaccinations if you have a health condition.

If an employee or student chooses not to vaccinate or get an exemption, what are the consequences? 

Students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend or work at GVSU, unless they receive an approved exemption or postponement. Beginning in October, the university will begin enforcement of the vaccine requirement. GVSU is reaching out to those who are not in compliance with the policy to discuss individual circumstances and review how their decisions will affect their relationship with the university.

I lost my COVID-19 Vaccination record, what do I do?

Michiganders ages 18 and older with immunization records posted in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including COVID-19 vaccination, will be able to locate their own record online and download, save or print this information.

To ensure privacy and that individuals are only able to access their own immunization records, Michiganders must create a MILogin account and upload a valid government issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. There is no cost to access the portal.

Immunizations provided in another state or country may not be included in an individual's record in the portal. If an individual's immunization record can't be found, records can still be requested from a physician's office or local health department.

As the portal is only available for those 18 years or older, parents won't be able to download their child's immunization records. Parents may contact their child's physician's office or local health department to get a copy of their immunization records.

I already got a COVID vaccine. What else do I need to do?

You must report your vaccination status to Med+Proctor and upload proof of vaccination. If you previously reported your vaccination status in the Lakers Together Self-Assessment, that information has been automatically uploaded to Med+Proctor and no further action is needed. For questions about COVID-19 vaccine reporting and exemptions, please contact [email protected]. 

How much will I have to pay to get vaccinated?

There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the COVD-19 vaccine. They are available to all people living in the U.S., regardless of  insurance or immigration status.

How does quarantine and isolation work?

Complete information can be found on the Quarantine and Isolation page.

Does GVSU utilize wastewater testing?

GVSU has been monitoring wastewater on the Allendale Campus for close to a year, and recently partnered with Kent and Ottawa counties on a two-year program to detect genetic markers of the COVID-19 virus in wastewater. This effort will shed useful light on spatial and temporal trends in virus levels in wastewater, and provide valuable research opportunities for GVSU students.

Do vaccines really work?

The science is strong. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown both in clinical trials and through real-world data to reduce the risk for hospitalization and death by over 95%. Currently more than 99% of all deaths from COVID-19 infection occur with unvaccinated persons. Vaccination also substantially reduces the risk of long-haul symptoms from COVID-19.

Do I need to get the vaccine if my work or classes are remote only?

The vaccine is the safest way to protect yourself and others. Students can apply for exemption if their course load is fully remote and none of their required or elected activities will bring them to campus. Employees can apply for exemption if their responsibilities will not bring them to campus. For more information visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting and Exemptions page: https://www.gvsu.edu/campushealth/covid-19-vaccine-reporting-and-exemptions-27.htm

Do I need to fill out the daily online self-assessment?

No, beginning May 1, 2022 GVSU no longer requires the self-assessment to be completed.  However, we ask all Lakers to protect our community by practicing standard COVID prevention steps such as staying home when you are sick, testing if you have symptoms, and following university COVID guidance. 

Do I need to carry proof of vaccination with me while on campus?

You do not have to carry proof of vaccination. You must report your vaccination status to Med+Proctor and upload proof of vaccination. If you previously reported your vaccination status on the Lakers Together self-assessment, that information has been uploaded automatically to Med+Proctor and no further action is needed. 

Can I be exempt from the university’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement?

All students and employees should be vaccinated unless approved for an exemption or postponement. An Exemption Request Form is online for students, faculty and staff seeking to meet exemption requirements. Medical forms can also be securely uploaded online. Please direct any questions to [email protected].