EIU COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccination

On-Campus COVID Vaccines

EIU Medical Clinic

Every Tuesday, Human Services Building

Students and employees may call the Medical Clinic at 217-581-3013 to schedule an appointment.

Booster Recommendations

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings (this includes residence halls and other congregate living)

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Vaccination Verification (updated Aug. 31, 2021)

On Aug. 26, Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order (EO) with new mandates for all universities and colleges across the state. The new EO specifically states that all personnel and students working at and/or attending Illinois colleges and universities need to be vaccinated for Covid-19 except when religious beliefs or health circumstances preclude vaccination. In addition, all students and employees who are not fully vaccinated or have not had their vaccination card verified by the university MUST be tested for Covid-19 at least once every week. There are no exemptions from the weekly testing unless you are fully vaccinated and have had your vaccination card verified by EIU. Your participation in the weekly testing will be monitored by EIU’s Covid Response Team.

Employees and students who are unvaccinated, not yet fully vaccinated, or who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status with EIU will be required to submit to the mandatory weekly (or more frequent) SHIELD testing. In order to meet the expectations of the EO, students and employees who do not comply with mandated testing as required will be subject to disciplinary action. The discipline structure for non-compliance of COVID-19 mandatory testing is available here.

The Executive Order and revised vaccination/testing policy at EIU becomes effective on Sept. 5, 2021.

There are two ways to self-report your COVID-19 vaccination status:

Submit Online

You can take advantage of EIU’s quick and easy online vaccine verification tool. If you have a completed CDC COVID-19 vaccination card you can take an electronic/digital image of the front and back of your card with your smartphone (preferred) or equivalent device. Log in to PAWS with your EIU credentials, select the MyHealth Tab, then select "COVID Vaccination Verification Form”. There, further directions for verifying your vaccination status will be provided. For assistance with the form, please contact the EIU ITS Help Desk at 217-581-HELP (4357).

Submit In Person

• Students: Bring your official CDC COVID-19 vaccination card to the EIU Medical Clinic to have your vaccine status recorded or updated.
• Employees: Bring your official CDC COVID-19 vaccination card to Human Resources to have your vaccine status recorded or updated.

Vaccination and Testing FAQ

How do I know if I am verified?

Log in to PAWS with your EIU credentials, select the MyHealth Tab, then select "COVID Vaccination Status". Up-to-date information about your vaccination status can be found there one business day after submitting your form.

Can I get an exemption from SHIELD surveillance testing?

You may request an exemption to the SHIELD surveillance testing during the Fall 2021 semester if you physically reside outside of Coles county or will be away from campus (ex. sabbatical, medical leave). If you believe you are eligible, please complete this form: go.eiu.edu/COVIDVaccineExemption

I lost my vaccination card! What can I do?

Contact the provider who administered the vaccine to receive updated documentation, or check with Contacts for Immunization Records | CDC. If you received your vaccine in Illinois, you can call (217) 785-1455 or visit I-CARE | IDPH (illinois.gov).

What if I am unvaccinated or choose not to disclose my vaccination status and don't test?

In order to meet the expectations of the EO, students and employees who do not comply with mandated testing as required will be subject to disciplinary action. The discipline structure for non-compliance of COVID-19 mandatory testing is available here.

Will my information be kept private?

Please know that your vaccination records will remain private information. Vaccine status updates will be managed exclusively through the Medical Clinic and Human Resources Department to honor personal privacy. EIU’s privacy statement on vaccine verification is available at go.eiu.edu/covidprivacy.

What if I am planning to get vaccinated or only have one shot?

If you are planning to get the vaccine or are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated (such as waiting for a second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or you are not yet a full two weeks out from your last or final vaccination shot), you will be required to participate in EIU’s mandatory weekly SHIELD testing program until you submit information of being fully vaccinated. Your vaccination status can be updated at any time through the PAWS MyHealth portal or in person at the appropriate locations listed above.