COVID-19 vaccination FAQ for international students and researchers

To reach the high levels of vaccination needed to protect our community, USP requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, staff and researchers, who will have any on-campus presence. Read the full message (in Portuguese) on the vaccine requirement and find more information in the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Frequently Asked Questions below.

1. When am I fully vaccinated? 

In Brazil, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose of your primary series and up to date once receiving all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

2. Am I fully vaccinated without a booster? 

3. Which vaccines are accepted by USP? 

All vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet the University’s vaccine requirement. The list of vaccines authorized by WHO is updated regularly. We strongly encourage you to be vaccinated when you can with the vaccine that is available to you. Protection from vaccination is helpful while traveling.

4. Which vaccines are available for distribution in Brazil? 

AstraZeneca, CoronaVac, Janssen and Pfizer.

5. How will IFUSP verify if a community member is vaccinated?

All students, faculty, staff and researchers are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination record to the university for COVID-19 monitoring across the IFUSP community:

Please be sure your vaccination certificate shows the following:

1. Your name;

2. Date of birth;

3. The manufacturer of the vaccine;

4. The date(s) on which the vaccines were received.

If you have received your vaccine outside of Brazil your documentation must include the above information in Portuguese, English or Spanish, in order for us to accurately update your record.

6. I received one dose of a two-dose vaccine in another country, can I get the second dose in Brazil? 

Yes. The only vaccines available for distribution in Brazil are AstraZeneca, CoronaVac, Janssen and Pfizer. If your first dose was not one of these four, recommendations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

7. I’ve had COVID-19. Do I still need to get vaccinated and boosted?

Yes. A prior infection or evidence of antibodies does not substitute for full vaccination, i.e. both doses in a two-dose series or one dose of a single-dose vaccine.

8. In my country, those who have had COVID-19 need only one shot of a two-dose vaccine. Does USP accept this?

No. USP requires both doses of a two-dose vaccine, regardless of infection history. If you only got one shot, you can get the second dose after you arrive in Brazil.

9. I am an international student starting at USP this semester. I won’t be able to receive the booster until after classes start. Will I be able to go to class while I await my booster?

All students are required to be fully vaccinated by the time school starts. Please get in touch if you feel you will not be able to fulfill this requirement:

10. Does the COVID-19 vaccination cost anything?

No. The government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in Brazil, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

11. Where can I get vaccinated?

Click here to find vaccine locations (> postos de vacinação) near you in São Paulo.

Required documents: Passport, CPF, proof of address and vaccination certificate.

If you wish to get vaccinated near the university:  CS Escola Samuel Barnsley Pessoa (Av. Vital Brasil, 1490 - Butantã, São Paulo - SP, 05503-000). Opening hours: Monday-Friday, from 8am to 5pm.

12. How do I schedule a vaccine appointment?

No appointment is required. Simply turn up during the opening hours.

13. I have more questions about my specific situation. Where can I get more information?

You can send your question to poscovid@if.usp.br or reach out to your primary care clinician.

Updated 20/06/2022