The UW Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP), which has jurisdiction over UWSOM medical students., says the deadline has been extended to Jan. 5, 2024, for the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, primarily due to the unknown nature of the vaccine supply chain.  

Here are more updates:

Available Updated 2023-2024 Monovalent XBB Containing Vaccines:  The following FDA approved vaccines meet the HSIP updated COVID-19 vaccine requirement: Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax). 

Novavax monovalent XBB containing vaccine is not currently FDA approved, but it is anticipated to be approved in the next couple of months. The current Novavax vaccine available does not meet the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 (monovalent, XBB containing) vaccine requirement. HSIP will notify students once a Novavax monovalent XBB containing vaccine is FDA approved.  

Practicum Site Considerations:  It is possible that practicum sites may require proof of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine for onboarding prior to the revised HSIP due date. In the event that a practicum site requires the vaccine sooner, students will need to comply with the site’s requirements. Students at UW Medicine facilities will need to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine by the HSIP 1/5/2023 due date as part of the HSIP program requirements regardless of bivalent vaccination status.  Bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized or available. Therefore, students not previously vaccinated with the bivalent vaccine will be permitted at UW Medical facilities at this time.

Extension Requests Due to Recent COVID-19 Infection:  Extension requests submitted previously for recent COVID-19 infection are no longer applicable due to the extended due date and will not be processed.  Students with a previous COVID-19 infection can wait 90 days from the date of their positive COVID-19 test then proceed with vaccination to meet the Jan. 5 deadline.  Students who contract a COVID-19 infection within 90 days of the Jan. 5 vaccine due date can access the COVID-19 vaccine extension request here. Return completed forms to HSIP at myshots@uw.edu.  

Below are some resources for obtaining the updated COVID-19 vaccine. We will update this information early Thursday morning for students who are outside of Seattle: 

• Local Pharmacies – Walgreens and Safeway have supplies in stock (as of when HSIP provided this update).  All local pharmacies are anticipated to have the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine soon.  NOTE:  CVS/Minute Clinics and Walgreens are participants in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program to ensure no-cost vaccinations for uninsured or underinsured individuals.  

• CDC Vaccine Finder – vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
• You can check the health department in your state for resources there. For example, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Vaccine Finder link is (link no longer available)