More universities join vaccine mandate

Several more state universities and private colleges in the United States announced last week that they will be requiring vaccines for students who are returning to campuses for the fall 2021-22 semester, writes Chris Burt for University Business.

The University of Delaware on Wednesday 5 May 2021 officially joined the 200-plus colleges and universities nationwide that already have mandated vaccination. Delaware State University went a step further, as some institutions have, in requiring that employees also have preventive COVID-19 shots. Both said they will accept religious and medical exemptions. “This requirement is consistent with the recommendation provided by the American College Health Association for all students planning to attend college for the fall of 2021 semester,” University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis said in a statement.

For state universities, there have been questions about the legality of mandating vaccines that have not surpassed the emergency use authorisation threshold for full approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, several are moving forward to try to protect their populations and following guidance from public health leaders, including the American College Health Association. That includes Portland State University and Oregon State University, which made the decision to mandate doses for employees and students, except for those who do not come to campus.
Full report on the University Business site