WSU Vaccination Requirements

A commitment to the health and safety of students, employees, and communities is central to WSU’s land-grant mission to provide and preserve access to higher education. Scientific evidence and data illustrate that vaccine-preventable diseases can rapidly spread through a campus community. 

Executive Policy 43 requires proof of the following vaccinations as a condition of enrollment for students at WSU’s physical campuses. As detailed below, exemptions and/or proof of immunity will be allowed for some vaccinations. 

This policy is in effect fall 2023 for incoming students on the Pullman and Spokane campuses; however, due to processing delays in implementation, students who have not yet submitted proof of vaccination are allowed to register for the fall 2023 semester, winter session 2023, and spring 2024 semester. However, students will need to demonstrate compliance before registering for summer or fall 2024. Students enrolled before fall 2023 are not impacted by this policy.

The policy will go into effect fall 2024 for incoming students on the Everett, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses. WSU Global Campus students and other students not utilizing a physical WSU campus may be exempt and do not need documentation.  

Upload Your Vaccination Record

1. Log into your Patient Portal. 
2. Click “Required Forms and Vaccines” in the left-hand menu. 
3. Click "Update" on Vaccination Record
4. Click "Upload" to add your document(s).
   1. Make sure your document is readable. Click "Looks Good" and "Save".
5. Click "Update" on the individual vaccine requirements to add your vaccination dates.

Note: If you were vaccinated in Washington State but cannot find your records, view the instructions for downloading your immunization records here. 

Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS)

WSU takes part in the WAIIS. This online registry helps healthcare providers and schools maintain accurate immunization records for people of all ages. Vaccinations provided at participating locations in the State of Washington are uploaded to WAIIS. 

The WAIIS system is a secure, web-based tool that healthcare providers and schools use. All information in WAIIS is secure and confidential. Other information, such as past immunization records and demographics, are included in the registry to ensure your record is accurate and cannot be confused with another person. You can contact WAIIS to opt out of storing your immunization information. Read more about accessing and managing your immunization records. Students must provide authorization for WSU Cougar Health Services to access WAIIS information.

Immunizations administered at CHS can be automatically provided to WAIIS. If you plan to receive a vaccination at CHS, please inform your healthcare provider during your appointment if you prefer to keep that information from being uploaded to the WAIIS. 

Exemptions 

You only need to file an exemption if you are not getting vaccinated. If you file an exemption and later decide to get a vaccine, you can follow the steps above to submit your proof of vaccination. 

File Medical Exemption 

To file a medical exemption: 

1. Log into your Patient Portal. 
2. Click “Required Forms and Vaccines” in the left-hand menu. 
3. Find "Vaccination Record" and click "Update"
4. Upload letter/documentation from a licensed healthcare provider detailing your need for a medical exemption. 
5. After you upload your documentation, it will be reviewed by Cougar Health Services staff. Cougar Health Services will contact you if there are any issues with your uploaded documentation. 
6. Within two (2) business days you will receive an exemption form in your Patient Portal 
7. Log into your Patient Portal. 
8. Click “Consent Forms” in the left menu to access the form. 
9. You must fill this form out to be compliant with WSU’s vaccination requirement and have your vaccination registration hold removed. 

Request Religious Exemption 

To request a religious exemption: 

1. Complete the Vaccination Educational Module. At the end of the module, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your sincerely held religious belief. Review best practices for exemption requests. 
2. Cougar Health Services does not approve or deny requests for religious exemptions. Your completed form will be sent for review by an independent committee. All personally identifiable information will be removed before review. Submit your requests as soon as possible. Reviews may take up to three (3) weeks after your exemption request is received. This may impact your ability to register for classes. 
3. Approval or denial of your exemption will be emailed to your WSU email address. Approved exemptions/accommodations will also be shared with Cougar Health Services for compliance and record-keeping purposes. 
4. If approved, you will receive a consent form in your Patient Portal (within three business days of approval). 
5. Click “Consent Forms” in the left-hand menu. 
6. Complete the ‘’Request for Immunization Exemption” form. 
7. If denied, you must schedule an appointment to get a vaccine or provide documentation for a medical exemption. You will also be provided with information about how to appeal this decision. 

Cougar Health Services is only maintaining documentation of religious exemptions for compliance purposes. Questions related to the religious exemption process should be sent to vaccine.exemption@wsu.edu. 

All steps must be completed to be compliant with WSU’s vaccination requirement and have your vaccination registration hold removed. It may take up to 3 business days for your account to show your approved exemption and to be marked compliant. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• When do I submit proof of vaccination?

  Undergraduate students are encouraged to submit documentation prior to New Coug Orientation or the beginning of their first semester.  

  Graduate students are encouraged to submit documentation prior to arriving on campus. 

• What happens if I do not submit documentation?

  You will not be able to register for classes, and a hold will be placed on your student account. If you do not complete these steps, it may impact your ability to participate in campus events. The university may impose further restrictions in the interest of maintaining public health until you have complied with the vaccine requirement.  

• How to submit/check status of my submission?

  1. Go to  https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/ and click on Patient Portal 

  1. Login with your WSU Student email and password 

  1. Click on Required Forms and Vaccines

  To upload a new record: 

  1. Click the Update button connected with Immunizations 

  1. Click the Green Upload Button (They can click the black box that says show Uploaded Documents to see what they have uploaded) 

  1. Add the document and click Save 

  1. Verify the document by clicking Looks Good 

  1. A Message Saying Success will appear in Green 

• Why do I have a registration hold, and what do I do?

  Students who have not turned in proof of required vaccinations will not be able to enroll in in-person classes for the upcoming semester.

  If you cannot enroll due to incomplete vaccination records, submit your vaccination records as soon as possible. You can upload your documentation to your Patient Portal. 

• How long does it take for my record to be updated?

  If you have submitted vaccination records or submitted a medical exemption, it may take up to 2-3 business days to be reflected in the patient portal 

  Religious exemption requests take longer to process and may take up to a month to be reflected on your account.  

• Where can I get vaccinated?

  You can receive your COVID-19 shot at CHS or in the community. Appointments are required for vaccination at CHS; you can schedule an appointment by logging in to your Patient Portal. Please bring your CougarCard or other identification to your appointment.  

  You can receive your MMR vaccine from your health care provider, the public health department, or our medical clinic. To schedule an appointment in our clinic, use the Patient Portal or call 509-335-3575. Please bring your CougarCard or other identification to your appointment.