Immunizations and COVID-19 Protocols

Immunization Requirements for DC Students

The District of Columbia Immunization Law requires that all students under age 26, no matter how many credit hours they are enrolled in, must provide proof of their immunizations on the AU Mandatory Immunization Form.

The deadline to submit your immunization records is July 15 (for most immunizations).

American University requires all new students to be screened for Tuberculosis. The online Tuberculosis form is available on the student health portal. If you answer Yes to any of the screening questions, you are required to have a medical provider complete the Clinical Assessment form. 

Please refer to the student health center for more information on immunizations.

The Philadelphia, DFW and Baltimore sites, due to their online/off-campus status, are being exempted from this AU immunization requirement.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Vaccinations­­­­

COVID vaccinations and boosters will be strongly recommended, but not required for AU community members and guests, including commencement attendees in May.

Self-Report Form­­

Students, faculty, and staff who test positive for COVID should continue to submit the COVID Self-Report Form. This will sustain the current process to inform the Dean of Students office to provide students with a letter to share with faculty and academic advisors

Masks­­

Masks will continue to be optional, including in classrooms. If a member of our community asks others to mask when in close contact with one another, please treat these requests with respect and give them full consideration. Masks will be required in the Student Health Center, Center for Well-Being Services, and the Academic Support and Access Center. Anyone who tests positive for COVID should wear a mask when in public or in proximity to others.

Good Health Practices­­ & Isolation Protocols­­

To support our community and your personal health, you are strongly recommended to stay home when you are sick, get tested if you exhibit COVID symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed case, and wash your hands often.

Community members who test positive should continue to isolate in their personal residence. When the new protocols go into effect in May, on-campus residents will continue to isolate in their current residence halls room, but can acquire food and supplies, attend medical appointments, and conduct other necessary activities. Beginning in May 2023, university staff will no longer proactively reach out to individuals who test positive.

We know there are community members who are immunocompromised, and we are committed to providing support. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends immunocompromised individuals consult with their physician, adopt a regular booster/vaccine regimen, and wear masks. We also have processes for requesting reasonable accommodations for students.

We have developed updated FAQs that provide additional information about the new protocols that begin in May. If you have questions, please contact covidhealth@american.edu. Thank you for your continued support for the health and well-being of our AU community.