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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Medical Student Portal

COVID-19

Current Guidelines

Updated Oct. 3, 2024

  • The information provided below is specific to undergraduate medical students at IU School of Medicine.
  • All recommendations assume you have received an approved primary COVID-19 vaccination and recommended boosters.
  • For the latest information about symptoms, testing, treatment, isolation and quarantine go to IU’s COVID-19 page.

Mask Guidelines

When COVID-19 hospital admission rates are medium to high in a community, the use of a high-filtration mask may be advised/required. Masks can minimize the number of new infections among our students, residents, staff and faculty at IU School of Medicine, so the use of high-quality masking is welcomed by IU School of Medicine when there are high rates of transmission in indoor group activities such as classrooms, shared office space, and break areas when not actively eating or drinking.

Masking with a surgical mask or N-95 style mask provides protection from transmission of the current virus variants so we can protect ourselves and those around us. Please watch for updates as masking may be required in some clinical settings and patient care areas as directed by the clinical facility’s current guidelines.

Vaccination Guidelines

Updated Oct. 3, 2024

Due to an increase in COVID-19 infections, and in alignment with current CDC vaccination guidelines, all medical students are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster that is designed to be active against the viral strains common in the fall of 2024, which have only recently been released. If you have already received the 2023 COVID-19 vaccine or booster (after Sept. 1, 2023), it is highly recommended that you get the updated 2024 vaccination when available.

This requirement is due by Nov. 1, 2024. If you experience issues in meeting this deadline, please reach out to IU School of Medicine Compliance at compreq@iu.edu for assistance.

Students may request a medical exemption or personal, non-medical waiver for the influenza vaccination.


Submit your updated COVID vaccine or booster documentation

Once you receive your COVID vaccine or booster shot at your health care provider, local pharmacy or campus location, you must provide documentation of vaccination to IU Campus Health by emailing to healthsv@iu.edu AND cc: compreq@iu.edu by Nov. 1, 2024.

Please use the subject line: IUSM 24-28 FIRST Name, LAST Name

This documentation must reflect your name, date of vaccination, type of vaccine administered and the administering entity.

The Compliance Office will then review your documentation and validate that you have completed this requirement. If Campus Health or Compliance have questions about your submission, we will contact you individually. If you have already submitted your updated vaccine or booster (after Sept. 1, 2023) to IU Campus Health, there is no need to re-submit your information.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for all. If you have any questions, please reach out to IU School of Medicine Compliance at compreq@iu.edu.

COVID-19 Testing and Isolation

You should isolate yourself if you are sick and suspect you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If you test positive, follow the full isolation guidelines below. If the results are negative, you can end your isolation once your symptoms resolve and you are ready to resume your studies.

Although Indiana University no longer provides designated COVID-19 testing centers, our student health centers can offer point-of-care testing similar to what you can get from your provider, and urgent care location, or can also be purchased at the local drug store for home testing. Any costs associated with your evaluation will be covered by your insurance.

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate yourself from others if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and check with your provider on whether you should consider any treatment options. IU School of Medicine requires you to stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home when possible. Follow the rest of the CDC’s guidelines on isolation. If you are afebrile or improving for 24 hours by day 5, students may often return to school if wearing a high-quality mask through day 10 (an additional 5 days) of their illness as outlined in the guidelines.


For Phase 1 Students

Follow the procedures as outlined above. In addition, you must:

  1. Inform the statewide course management team and your site instructor so they are notified of your absence.
  2. Complete the Time away request form so you can work with our faculty to make plans for the time you have missed due to illness.

For Phase 2 and 3 students in a clinical environment.

Follow the procedures as outlined above. In addition, you must:

  1. Inform the clerkship management team and/or rotation leader so they are notified of your absence.
  2. Complete the Time away request form for time away from clerkships, clinical rotations, or electives. The faculty will work with you to make plans for the time you have missed.

If you meet ‘ending your isolation’ criteria and you have complied with your clinical facility’s COVID-19 return to work procedures, then you may return to the clinical setting and continue to follow the masking policies currently in place for your clinical setting. Typically, this requires wearing a high-quality mask indoors through day 10. These guidelines may change over time depending on hospital admission rates for COVID-19 and the patient population you are caring for.

For quarantine and isolation after a high-risk exposure, symptoms, or a positive COVID infection, students should follow the more stringent guidance for healthcare professionals (which most health facilities follow):

  • At least 7 days* have passed since symptoms first appeared if a negative viral test is obtained within 48 hours before returning to work (or 10 days if testing is not performed or if a positive test at day 5-7); and
  • At least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
  • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved.
  • Upon return to school/work, individuals should continue to wear a mask when around others and practice safe distancing when possible for another 5 days.

* Many facilities, including IU Health, use a 5-day quarantine period instead of 7 to expedite return to work for those with mild or no symptoms.


You can also view the CDC’s ending isolation guidelines for the full information.

If you meet ‘ending your isolation’ criteria, you can simply return to campus and the classroom. After you have ended isolation, when you are feeling better (no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms improving for 24 hours), wear your high-quality mask when on campus through day 10.

See the CDC’s additional guidelines for masking.

At this moment, please contact your campus leadership or lead advisor for immediate needs.

As stated by the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Other resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Indiana Department of Health