Vaccination Exemption Policy

Policy Statement

Thomas Jefferson University has immunization requirements for all incoming students as well as ongoing requirements for students participating in programs with a clinical or experiential component.  Students wishing to apply for religious or medical exemption should follow the processes described below. 

Scope

This policy applies to all students at Thomas Jefferson University.  

Components

Medical Exemption

To request a medical exemption students should: 

  1. Access the appropriate form found below and submit to your healthcare provider. 
  2. Once your healthcare provider has completed the form, please submit the form to the appropriate office as follows: 
  3. East Falls and New Jersey campuses: [email protected] 
  4. Center City and Dixon campuses: [email protected] 
  5. Following the submission of the form, the student will be notified if additional information is needed. The student will then be notified via email if the exemption has been approved, and, if so, whether the approval is permanent or provisional. 
MMR/Varicella/Tdap Exemption Form (PDF)
Influenza Medical Exemption Form (PDF)
Fit Test Medical Exemption Request (PDF)
Religious Exemption

A request for an exemption based on a sincerely held religious belief must be submitted to Student Affairs and the Dean of Students Office using the Jefferson Request for Religious Exemption Vaccination form. Student Affairs or the Dean of Students will notify the student if the exemption has been approved and, if so, whether the exemption is permanent or provisional. 

Compliance

Incoming Students

Students are highly encouraged to submit requests for religious and/or medical exemptions before the start of the program so that requests may be reviewed and determined in advance of the commencement of the academic year. Non-compliance may impact a student’s academic progression and may violate the University’s Community Standards. 

Clinical Rotations & Experiential Learning

This policy pertains to the University’s students in health-oriented programs who will engage in clinical or experiential learning. Students should be advised that they may be subject to different vaccination regulations for non-Jefferson clinical rotation placements or academic experiences, including requirements to be “up-to-date” with their COVID-19 vaccinations. (“Up-to-date” is defined by CDC as having completed a COVID-19 primary vaccination series and the most recent booster.) As a result, students are strongly encouraged to become “up-to-date” in anticipation of rotating at one or more of these outside training locations. 

Appeals              

Decisions on Medical Exemption requests are under the purview of Student Health Services or Jefferson Occupational Health Network.  The decision is final and there is no avenue for appeals. 

Appeals of Religious Exemption decisions will be reviewed by the Dean of Students, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, or their designee.  Students should inform the original decision-maker of their desire to appeal for next steps. The decision of the Dean of Students or Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee is final.