Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted emergency use authorization to the COVID-19 vaccine produced by China's Sinopharm, marking the first time that a vaccine developed by a non-Western country has received WHO emergency use listing.
At the same time, many US universities have announced that they recognize the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the WHO. This means that Chinese international students will not need to be re-vaccinated with US-authorized vaccines after arriving in the US.
Previously, according to updated guidance from the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), for vaccines not authorized in the US, due to a "lack" of safety or efficacy data, in some cases students who had received such vaccines would need to be re-vaccinated with a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However, the CDC noted that if a vaccine has been authorized by the WHO, there is no need to receive an FDA-authorized vaccine.
In response to this CDC policy, the following universities have explicitly expressed support for the Sinopharm vaccine!
Harvard University
Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow previously wrote in an email to all Harvard affiliates: Students should plan to receive a vaccine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) at least two weeks before returning to campus.
In other words, students who have received the Chinese vaccine can return to campus for the fall semester without needing to be re-vaccinated.
Harvard University has sufficient testing capacity. To strictly control the pandemic, students will still participate in regular COVID-19 testing after the fall semester begins, but those who are fully vaccinated are expected to be tested less frequently. Currently, on-campus students are tested three times a week.
Columbia University
Columbia University officially announced on April 19 that all enrolled students must be vaccinated and recognizes COVID-19 vaccines approved by the WHO.
The university stated that it will provide vaccinations for students who have not yet been vaccinated during the fall semester, and recommends that students get vaccinated as soon as possible nearby, without delaying until they return to campus.
New York University
NYU updated its vaccination requirements on its website on April 19, stating that all returning students for the 2021-22 academic year must be fully vaccinated.
NYU encourages all eligible students to immediately get vaccinated with vaccines authorized in their country/region, and has also clearly stated that it accepts WHO-approved vaccines, including Sinopharm.
If students have not been vaccinated before arriving on campus, they can get vaccinated at the university.
University of California System
The University of California system updated on May 4: "We recognize relevant vaccines that are not authorized in the US but have been approved by the WHO. For those who have received vaccines not authorized by the US nor the WHO, they may be required to be re-vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine":
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University of Southern California announced on April 27, "We recognize all international vaccines approved by the WHO or other regulatory agencies."
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California Institute of Technology stated, "We follow CDC guidance and recognize vaccines from other countries, including those authorized by the WHO."
As of May 7, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, nearly 240 colleges and universities have implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for the fall semester to safely restart campuses, and some schools have even required faculty and staff to be vaccinated.
Regarding vaccine requirements, students should not only check school policies but also follow the requirements of the US CDC.
Overall, most schools have stated that they encourage international students to get vaccinated in their home countries. If students cannot get vaccinated in their home country, or if their vaccination records are not recognized after entry, schools will provide free vaccines.
Currently, countries are discussing the international recognition and acceptance of vaccines, hoping to facilitate the resumption of international travel through mutual recognition. If you have already been vaccinated, be sure to bring your vaccination records when entering the country. International students can contact their school after arrival to confirm whether re-vaccination is needed.
The Sinopharm vaccine has been recognized by the WHO. Students returning to the US should make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible!
Vaccination Appointments in China
According to national deployment, if vaccines are available in your area, you can start making appointments. Communities, workplaces, and schools will notify everyone about appointment information. Before vaccination, you need to register your vaccination intent, and when vaccines arrive, just bring your ID card to the vaccination site.
Vaccination sites include community health service centers, township health centers, or hospitals. Of course, for some key groups in concentrated enterprises or departments, local authorities may set up temporary vaccination sites. Everyone should pay attention to information releases on relevant platforms.
CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to follow up on epidemic prevention information from major universities and provide the latest news for international students.
