The next giant leap in protecting Purdue: COVID-19 vaccines

Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available. All Boilermakers, especially the most vulnerable, are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine as part of their continued commitment to protect themselves, protect others and protect Purdue. 



Quick links: Submit proof of vaccination | Approved vaccines | FAQs

Submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19

Students and employees on the West Lafayette campus are strongly encouraged to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to the university. You can upload your proof of vaccination here.

Purdue currently is not requiring the booster shot for a person to be considered fully vaccinated, but individuals who receive the booster are encouraged to submit proof of receiving it. Because it is possible that the CDC definition of “fully vaccinated” may evolve to include the booster, please retain your COVID-19 vaccination card to provide proof of vaccination status in case validation becomes necessary on campus or elsewhere. 

How to get vaccinated  

Students 

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/ or call 211 (or 866-211-9966) to find vaccine clinics. 

Faculty and staff 

First and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, as well as booster shots, are available through the Center for Healthy Living. To schedule a vaccine appointment off-campus, visit https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/ or call 211 (or 866-211-9966) to find vaccine clinics. 

Individuals who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with any COVID-19 vaccine that has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization or WHO approval may choose to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 on-campus if they meet the following criteria:  

  • Those who received the J&J vaccine may receive the Pfizer booster shot at least two months after receiving their original inoculation.  
  • Those who received the Pfizer or Moderna two-dose vaccine may receive a booster shot at least five months after their second dose was administered.  
  • Those who received an approved vaccine not available in the United States may receive the Pfizer booster shot at least six months after their second dose was administered.  
  • Individuals age 50 and older may now receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Individuals age 12 and older who are immunocompromised may now receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

You must bring to your appointment proof of previous COVID-19 vaccination.  

Purdue currently is not requiring the booster shot for a person to be considered fully vaccinated, but individuals who receive the booster are encouraged to submit proof of receiving it. Because it is possible that the CDC definition of “fully vaccinated” may evolve to include the booster, please retain your COVID-19 vaccination card to provide proof of vaccination status in case validation becomes necessary on campus or elsewhere (e.g., for travel). As a backup, capture an image of your vaccine verification card on your mobile phone.  

What to bring to your vaccination appointment 

You will need to show a valid photo ID (PUID card, state-issued ID or passport) and your insurance information if you have medical insurance. You do not need to bring your physical insurance card, only your plan information. You will not be billed for the vaccination. 

If you are receiving your second dose or booster dose, you must also bring your CDC card showing proof of having received the first dose(s) of the Pfizer vaccine.  

Vaccines recognized by the Purdue 

Purdue recognizes the following COVID-19 vaccinations, which have gained Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or have been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Should other vaccines receive such FDA authorization or WHO approval, they will be added to this list at that time. Please note that if you receive a two-dose vaccine, in most cases, both doses must be from the same manufacturer. 

Submit your vaccine documentation.  

Platform Vaccine name Manufacturer
mRNA BNT162b2/Tozinameran/COMIRNATY® Pfizer-BioNTech
mRNA mRNA-1273 Moderna
Ad26 Ad26.COV2.S Johnson&Johnson
ChAdOx1 Azd1222 AstraZeneca; MFDS Korea
ChAdOx1 Covishield (ChAdOx1_nCoV-19) Serum Institute India
Inactivated virus/aluminum adjuvant Sinopharm Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd
Inactivated virus/aluminum adjuvant CoronaVac (formerly PiCoVacc) Sinovac Biotech
Inactivated virus/aluminum adjuvant COVAXIN Bharat Biotech

Dispelling common COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions 

Misinformation about the vaccines and the virus has made choosing to get vaccinated more difficult for many people. 

What Boilermakers Are Asking

Employees can use available sick time (as you would during a medical appointment or for illness) or you may also use available personal time. For further guidance, contact hr@purdue.edu.

Please call 211 to have your appointment canceled. You will then be able to schedule using the link in your email that you received.  211 cannot schedule at the Center for Healthy Living or Purdue University Student Health Center for you.

Because fatigue, headache, fever and muscle pain are common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in younger individuals, students should carefully consider their academic calendar when scheduling their vaccine appointment and consider how any side effects might affect deadlines and exams. Take note of dates you want to avoid — again, knowing that the second dose needs to be administered 21-42 days after the first.

Yes.

Examples include your PUID card, state-issued ID or driver’s license or passport. 

You may experience some mild side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Side effects after your second dose may be more intense than after your first dose. Learn more about what side effects to expect.

Yes, fully vaccinated individuals should submit proof of vaccination here.

If your vaccine record is not in English, please submit both an English translated version and the original. As a courtesy, a list of qualified translators is available here; you are responsible for any and all expenses incurred.

Yes. It’s important to note that, while these vaccines are highly effective, there is still the chance that if you are exposed to the virus you could contract COVID-19 after having received the vaccination.

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

After the COVID-19 vaccination, you may experience some side effects, which may feel like the flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what side effects to expect.

Yes. All Boilermakers are required to follow the Protect Purdue Pledge, including those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Committed to continuously identifying and reinstating valued elements of campus life while protecting Purdue, University leadership and the Protect Purdue Medical Advisory Team are closely monitoring CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals and weighing possible changes to Protect Purdue protocols and requirements as individuals, and a greater percentage of our overall campus community, become fully vaccinated.

Purdue COVID-19 vaccine allocation task force

A team of scientists, medical experts and campus leaders was assembled in October 2020 and has been working in conjunction with the Protect Purdue Implementation Team to: 

  • Determine and recommend Purdue’s response to the CDC’s and the state of Indiana’s phased and evolving approach to COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Gather and provide valuable information on available vaccines, including safety and efficacy.
  • Serve as a trusted body for the campus community, build confidence in vaccination and help dispel misinformation.

Task force members:

  • Willie M. Reed, task force chair and dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • R. Ethan Braden, Executive vice president of marketing and communications.
  • Jen Hodges, executive vice president of operations, One to One Health.
  • Harm HogenEsch, professor of immunopathology and associate dean for research, College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Richard Kuhn, Krenicki Family Director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease.
  • Richard D. Mattes, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science, head of the Department of Public Health and director of the Ingestive Behavior Research Center.
  • Nicole Noel, director of Purdue University Pharmacy.
  • Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources.
  • Lisa Smith, medical director, One to One Health.
  • Scott Stienecker, medical director for infection prevention and co-director for antimicrobial stewardship, Parkview Regional Medical Hospital and Affiliates.
  • Gail Walenga, director, Purdue University Student Health Center.

Where to go for more information

Additional information is also available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Indiana Department of Health.