Student Health Information

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association guidelines, all students entering Wartburg College born after 1956 are required to show proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations at least 28 days apart after 12 months of age. Varicella (chicken pox), Tetanus/Diphtheria, and Polio Booster vaccinations are also required. Most individuals have had to meet this requirement for primary school, so the easiest way to locate your records is to check with your family physician’s office, school system, or childhood records your parents/guardians may have. If you cannot find your records, you may receive the vaccine at Noah Campus Health Clinic for a fee. Failure to provide vaccination and required health records could result in a hold on your student account, thereby not allowing enrollment.

New international students are required to complete a TB test with Noah Campus Health Clinic upon arriving to campus. Proof of natural immunity through documentation of physician-diagnosed disease or a positive serum titer may be substituted in place of vaccination documentation.

Although not required, it is recommended that students be vaccinated against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and meningitis. To access all required health forms for new and returning students, including student athletes, visit www.wartburg.edu/health.

Students may request medical or religious exemptions from receiving immunization(s) by submitting one of the following to the Student Life Office:

Religious exemption – Signed letter from their religious official attesting that:

• The immunization conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief.
• The belief is religious, not merely based on philosophical, scientific, moral, personal or medical opposition to immunization.
• Must also complete IDHHS form

Medical exemption – Medical reasons for the exemption request are acceptable if:

• Vaccine(s) are injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
• A medical exemption may apply to a single vaccine, multiple vaccines, or all required immunizations.
• Must complete required IDHHS form

To be valid, the Certificate of Immunization Exemption must be completed and signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating the vaccine(s) that is/are medically contraindicated.

In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease or for other health related reasons, Wartburg College reserves the right to deny non-immunized students access to campus or other college facilities. The length of time a student is excluded from school will vary depending on the type of disease and the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.

Wartburg College SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Mitigation Policy COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance

For Students, Faculty, and Staff
(Updated February 2026)

Our college remains committed to maintaining a healthy learning and working environment. While COVID-19 is now managed as an ongoing public health condition, we continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities.

When to Stay Home

Students, faculty, and staff should stay home and avoid in-person campus activities if they:

• Have a fever (100.4°F or higher)
• Are experiencing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath, or loss of taste/smell
• Have tested positive for COVID-19
• Have been advised by a healthcare provider to isolate

Supervisors and faculty are encouraged to provide reasonable flexibility for absences related to illness.

Testing

• Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to test for COVID-19.
• At-home antigen tests are acceptable.
• COVID-19 testing is available on campus at the Noah Campus Health Clinic.
• Positive cases should follow current public health guidance regarding isolation and return to activities.

Isolation & Return to Campus

In alignment with CDC recommendations:

• Individuals should remain home until fever-free for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.
• After returning to campus, individuals are encouraged to take added precautions (such as wearing a mask and avoiding high-risk individuals) for five additional days.

Face Coverings

• Masks are optional on campus.
• Individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time.
• The college may implement temporary masking requirements if public health conditions warrant.

Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are encouraged in accordance with CDC guidance. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider regarding recommendations appropriate for their age and health status.

Campus Cleaning & Ventilation

• Routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces continues across campus.
• Ventilation systems are maintained according to facilities standards.
• Hand sanitizer remains available in high-traffic areas.

Policy Updates

COVID-19 guidance may be adjusted based on:

• Public health data
• Government recommendations
• Campus-specific conditions

Updates will be communicated via campus email and posted on this webpage.