Who is required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at Hiram College?
All students, faculty and staff are required to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Students who are taking online/remote courses only do not need to comply with this requirement. Faculty and staff who work fully remote also do not need to comply. However, if any community member moves from being fully remote to being on campus for the spring 2022 semester, they must comply with the vaccination requirement prior to arrival on campus.
Why has the College chosen to implement a requirement for the COVID-19 vaccine?
By requiring the vaccine, college officials are prioritizing the health of the campus community and reducing the risk of virus spreading amongst community members. As more members of the campus community are fully vaccinated, the campus community can increase its immunity against COVID-19. Achieving community immunity is the College’s best defense against the virus and potential hospitalizations for infected community members.
Students have been required to provide immunization records in order to attend Hiram College. Given the threat that COVID-19 and the Delta variant pose in the United States and the state of Ohio in particular, faculty and staff are also required to provide their proof of their immunization against COVID-19.
Where can I go to get vaccinated? What is the cost?
Vaccinations are free. If you have not yet been vaccinated but would like to receive the vaccine, the Health Center currently has vaccines available.
The Vaccine Management Solution from the Ohio Department of Health can help you book an appointment with a vaccination clinic in your area. In addition, you can use Rite Aid’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Scheduler to book an appointment with the Rite Aid near campus (10764 North Street, Garrettsville, OH 44231), or you can select the Rite Aid closest to you.
For information on the COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Which vaccine do I need to get to meet the requirement?
Hiram College will accept any of the COVID-19 vaccines that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved or placed under emergency use authorization. At this time, those vaccines include: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen).
Will my vaccination information be shared with others?
The College will not disclose your information nor are you required to discuss your vaccination status if asked to do so informally.
What if I have already submitted my vaccination information to the College?
If you have already submitted your completed vaccination card to the Julia Church Health Center (students) or the Office of Human Resources (faculty and staff), then no action is necessary.
If you previously provided a partially completed card (one dose of a two-dose series), then you will need to update your information with the appropriate office.
Can I be exempt from the vaccine requirement?
The College only permits exemptions based on health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you would like to apply for an exemption:
The exemption form is due no later than October 1.
What will happen if I choose not to get vaccinated or apply for exemption, despite the College’s health requirement?
Students who do not to comply with the vaccination requirement will not be permitted to attend their fall 3-week course in person. Arrangements will be made for unvaccinated students to attend their 3-week courses remotely.
Students who are unvaccinated at the end of the fall 3-week semester will be withdrawn from the College and no longer enrolled for the spring 2022 term.
Faculty and staff who do not comply with the vaccination requirement will be subject to disciplinary action.
Will the College refund my tuition, room and board if I choose not to get vaccinated or apply for exemption?
Students and families can review the Office of Student Accounts’ withdrawal and refund schedule. The College will not make special accommodations to the refund schedule for students who do not comply with the vaccination requirement.
Does this requirement apply to on-campus employees of ABM and AVI Foodsystems?
College administrators have been in communication with the College’s on-campus partners, ABM and AVI Foodsystems. Both ABM and AVI staffs will follow Hiram College’s health protocols.
After I’m vaccinated, do I need to wear a mask and phsyicially distance?
Hiram College currently has a mask mandate in effect for anyone inside a building while on campus. The CDC does not encourage the wearing of masks while outside. However, all members of the Hiram community are welcome to continue the use of facial coverings on campus.
The Health Center continues to encourage physical distancing, inside and outside, whenever possible. Classroom spaces are arranged to provide social distancing, and this arrangement will remain in effect until further notice.
Will unvaccinated individuals be subject to additional health measures on campus?
Unvaccinated students, faculty and staff will be expected to comply with additional health and safety requirements including, but not limited to, weekly COVID-19 testing and required masking while on campus.
Does Hiram College require other vaccinations?
The College does have a policy in place for required immunizations. Please see the policy below:
Hiram College Required Immunizations
Immunizations: All students must provide their immunization record on their completed health form. This policy is based on the recommendations of the American College Health Association (ACHA) and is designed to protect the health of all students. Hiram College requires that that entering students have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio. Hiram College recommends that all students are vaccinated against varicella, meningitis ACYW, meningitis B and hepatitis B. Entering students may also want to consider vaccination against Hepatitis A and HPV.
Students may seek and exemption from the vaccine requirement if they have a medical condition that prevents them from receiving any of the required vaccines or a sincerely held religious belief against receiving the vaccine. Please submit the exemptions form and paper work to the Julia Church Health Center.
Meningococcal disease is a rare and potentially fatal bacterial infection. Hepatitis B is a serious viral liver infection with potential for long-term complications. Due to the revised code regarding Meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccinations enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio we are required to provide information from the Ohio Department of Health on meningococcal disease, Hepatitis B and college students. This information and forms can be found on the Health Center website. Please read the information carefully and return the vaccination status form with your medical forms. The Health Center at Hiram College suggests that you discuss the facts about meningitis/hepatitis B with your health care provider.
Who can I talk to if I have concerns about getting vaccinated?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming for many, so it is understandable that some will have concerns about vaccinations or simply need more information. The staff of the Health Center have been closely following this public health crisis since the onset and, as our campus medical professionals, have a high comfort level with addressing questions, listening to concerns, and can provide the most accurate and updated information to help you make an informed decision. If you’d like to make an appointment to speak confidentially with a staff member, please contact the Health Center at 330.569.5418.
