Medical and religious exemptions are allowable in the state of Massachusetts. Medical exemptions must be renewed annually and include a statement from a physician stating that the vaccine is medically contraindicated (medically not suitable) for the student. The influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as to prevent the spread of influenza to others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.