Night photo of barracks with text VMI Viral Illnesses and Prevention

The health and safety of the corps of cadets, faculty, and staff is our top priority.

Leaders across post are closely monitoring illnesses like the flu,  COVID-19, meningitis, and others as they may impact our Institute, our community, and our visitors. Through this academic year, we will work together to keep the health and safety of cadets, faculty, staff, and visitors as a priority, while adapting to any changes these illnesses may present in a work and academic environment. The offices of the emergency manager, infirmary, chief of staff, commandant, dean, and communications and marketing will work together through the year, as these guidelines may need to be modified. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.



 

COVID-19 Testing and Case Management

Regular testing and reporting are not required for faculty, staff, or cadets. If an employee is experiencing symptoms, they should stay home and work with their supervisor on returning to work. Tests are available at primary care offices and retail stores. If a test is positive, please follow CDC guidance, which has been updated to cover a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Tests are available in the VMI Infirmary for cadets who are experiencing symptoms. CDC guidance will be followed for cadets who test positive. There will not be contact tracing or quarantines for any close contacts. Cadets will be provided with masks, as appropriate.

Faculty will accommodate cadets who are unable to attend class due to isolation. Cadets who are instructed to isolate by the VMI Infirmary need to make arrangements with their professors for the time they are in isolation.


Vaccines

Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are readily available at pharmacies across our community. These vaccines are encouraged for cadets, faculty, and staff. Cadets are provided with thorough information about the annual flu shot clinic. 


Meningitis

The Virginia Department of Heath announced in August 2023 a statewide outbreak of the meningococcal disease. This is a rare, but serious disease that often displays flu-like symptoms, but can become severe quickly. Most current cadets received appropriate childhood vaccination with one additional meningococcal vaccine after age 16. For anyone unsure of their vaccine status, please contact your primary care provider or cadets can contact the infirmary to discuss. More information on this disease and on timing for vaccines can be found on the CDC website.


Additional information and guidance will be provided, as needed, through the academic year.

Thank you again for your understanding and patience.

 

 



 

COVID-19 Case & Operations Dashboard

The COVID-19 weekly dashboard graphics and information were removed from the website as of May 18, 2022. VMI continues to monitor the coronavirus impact to the post, Rockbridge, and Lexington communities. VMI will provide testing as needed and work with local partners on vaccine opportunities. 



 

Community Information

Up-to-date information about public events can be found on the VMI Calendar. If your event is not listed there, it is still scheduled to occur as planned. For more information about events that have been changed or cancelled, contact the office responsible for the event: 

 



 

FAQs & Resources

Answer: Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) sites dedicated to respiratory viruses and coronavirus information, respecitvely. Links to official government resources can be found below.
Answer: Event updates or changes to hours or operations of VMI facilities will be featured on our website as soon as we are alerted of changes. For more information about events that have been changed or cancelled, contact the office responsible for the event:
Answer: Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in 2019. Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus (influenza viruses). Learn more from the CDC.

Official Government Resources

Respiratory Viruses

Information from C D C

COVID-19

Information from Virginia Department of Health

Influenza

Information from Virginia Department of Health

Meningococcal Disease

Information from Virginia Department of Health