Many colleges are now requiring students and faculty to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for on-campus activities. It aligns with the CDC’s guidelines for on-campus activities. A few universities even disenrolled students who failed to report vaccination status or file for an exemption. For international students, the COVID vaccine is even required to apply for a student visa. Keep reading to find out more about the vaccine requirements.
If you are starting college this fall, there’s a high chance you will be required to get vaccinated for COVID before your first day of school.
While the face masks mandate is applied to many universities, many colleges across the United States are now requiring students and faculty to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for on-campus activities, especially with the new variant surge and vaccines are more accessible than ever.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has announced full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine since summer 2021. Many universities have waited on FDA approval before announcing the vaccine requirements for students. The research finds college campuses with 90% vaccine rates return to campus activities without viral transmission. It aligns with the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for on-campus activities; fully vaccinated campuses could return to full capacity in-person learning without masking or social distancing.
A few universities even disenrolled students who failed to report vaccination status or file for an exemption (medically or religiously). Medical and religious exemptions are relatively easy to receive and permitted in most states. But some universities would push unvaccinated students to enroll online instead.
For international students, the COVID Vaccine is required to apply for a student visa. It is also required by the U.S. borders for all travelers above the age of 2 years old to show negative COVID-19 test results a day before the flight and vaccination certification.
OTHER VACCINE REQUIREMENTS:
Most colleges already require on-campus students to be vaccinated against viral diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Government agencies suggest that schools may similarly require the COVID-19 shots.
HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL’S VACCINE REQUIREMENTS?
For new students, visit your university website, hit the admissions section, and read all the requirements carefully. If you still have doubts, contact them via phone and talk with an admissions officer.
For international students, look for the International Admissions Department, they will have the latest on international requirements for your country of origin.
For returning students, look for student services or reach out to the medical office at your school.
Here you have a few links with information regarding vaccination requirements: