Aerial photo of post with logo and text of COVID-19 Info Portal

Safe Return Moe with EMTCOVID-19 Vaccine Protocols

To best protect cadets, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, Virginia Military Institute will require cadets to get a COVID-19 vaccine, allowing for more normal operations in a safe way, including dining, extracurricular activities, physical training, and classes. This decision was made thoughtfully and through a lot of discussion and research with the hope that distancing, mask inventories, and high-volume testing are things of the past.

All incoming cadets need submit a copy of their completed vaccination card through the Medicat portal before their assigned report date. If a cadet has already submitted proof of vaccination, it does not need to be submitted again. The goal is that each cadet is fully vaccinated (14 days after the final dose) as he or she arrives. Keep in mind that from first dose to being fully vaccinated can take up to six weeks, depending on the vaccine.

Vaccines are free, and clinics remain active in the Lexington community and across the country. The VMI community will continue to receive updates on vaccination clinics and mobile vaccine opportunities.

 

 

Upcoming No-Cost COVID Vaccine Events:

VMI has partnered with Walmart Pharmacy to offer VMI Post Mobile Vaccine Clinics during June and July to help facilitate and expedite this important process for our cadets. The events will be at the Center for Leadership and Ethics in Marshall Hall, 500 Anderson Drive. Parking for the event is available in the Marshall Hall parking lot. Please note spaces will be reserved for clinic staff.

Walmart Pharmacy intend to offer both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines based on availability at the time of the event. Walk-in appointments are available, but cadets are encouraged to pre-register at https://app.myirmobile.com/auth/register.

Scheduled Dates/Times:

  • Thursday, June 17th 11am to 2pm
  • Thursday, July 8th 11am to 2pm
  • Thursday, July 29th 11am to 2pm

 


VMI Infirmary Medicat Instructions

 Step 1: Register for the Medicat Portal

  1. Go to https://vmi.medicatconnect.com
  2. Click Register
  3. Create your username: If you receive a message that the username is already being used, follow instructions for What if I have forgotten my Medicat portal username or password?
  4. Current cadets enter your VMI email address. Class of 2025 applicants must use the email address on file with the VMI Admissions office.
    1. If you enter a different email address, you will receive a message that the system is unable to locate your record in our database.
  5. Enter your first name, last name, birthdate.
  6. Click Submit
  7. Once you click submit, an email will be sent to the email address used in step 4 & will include a link to create your password. If you do not receive the email, please check your junk or spam folders.
    1. Password Requirements:
      1. A special character
      2. A mix of letters and numbers
      3. A mix of upper and lower case
      4. A minimum of 5 characters
  1. Go to https://vmi.medicatconnect.com 
  2. Click Login 
  3. Click Forgot Password 
  4. Current cadets enter your VMI email address. Class of 2025 applicants must use the email address on file with the VMI Admissions office.
  5. If you enter a different email address, you will receive a message that the system is unable to locate your record in our database.
  6. Enter your first name, last name, birthdate.
  7. Click Submit
  8. Once you click submit, an email will be sent to the email address used in step 4 & will include a link to create your password. If you do not receive the email, please check your junk or spam folders.
  9. Password Requirements:
    1. A special character
    2. A mix of letters and numbers
    3. A mix of upper and lower case
    4. A minimum of 5 characters

 

 Step 2: Submit Your Documentation: Vaccine or Exemption

Vaccine Documentation:

  1. Login to your Medicat Portal
  2. Select Immunizations tab
  3. Click on COVID Vaccines
  4. Enter vaccine date(s)
  5. Click Submit
  6. Select Upload tab
  7. Choose Covid Vaccination Card as the type of document you are uploading
  8. Select File and choose your Covid Vaccination Card file
  9. Click Upload

Exemption Form:

  1. Download, complete, and sign your VMI COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption form.
  2. Take a photo or scan your completed form
  3. Login to your Medicat Portal
  4. Select Upload tab
  5. Choose Covid exemption form as the type of document you are uploading
  6. Select File and choose your Covid exemption form file
  7. Click Upload



 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card? If you were vaccinated in Virginia, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/immunization-record-request-form. For all other states, please visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locate-records.html#state.

What if I’m not considered “fully vaccinated” at the time of my arrival to post? Cadets not fully vaccinated will wear masks and participate in routine COVID-19 testing until the vaccination process is complete. VMI will assist in scheduling a second dose, if needed.

How do I submit my vaccination confirmation? A scanned copy or photo of your completed vaccine card should be submitted through the Medicat portal before your assigned report date. Instructions can be found above.  

How to I submit an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination? Any cadets needing to submit a religious or medical exemption should use the form linked here. Completed forms should be uploaded to the Medicat portal for review at least two weeks prior to report date. Additional documentation may be requested.

Are VMI faculty and staff required to get the COVID-19 vaccination? VMI faculty and staff are highly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Based on recent reporting, more than 85% of employees have been vaccinated, and that number continues to grow as additional vaccination clinics are shared with faculty and staff.

Who will have access to my vaccination record? The Institute physician and staff have access to medical records. Any medical information is only shared with others on a need-to-know basis (Commandant or coaches for training purposes, etc.).

Will masks be required anywhere on post? Unvaccinated individuals, including cadets, faculty, staff, and all visitors will continue to wear masks and practice safe distancing in all areas of VMI post.

Will virtual classes be an option? No, to be most effective, all classes will be in person.

If booster shots become available, will VMI require cadets get those? VMI will review CDC guidance and determine if any booster shots will be required.

If a vaccinated cadet or employee comes into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, does that person need to quarantine? According to CDC guidance, if a vaccinated person comes into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, that person does not need to quarantine unless they are experiencing symptoms.

 

For additional questions or more information, contact coronavirus@vmi.edu