Boston College To Require Vaccinations For Fall Semester

NEWTON, MA — Boston College will require all students returning to campus this fall to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus before their first day of class. It's the latest in a steady stream of Newton and Boston area colleges making such a rule.

The school made the announcement Friday.

In an effort to help students get their vaccines, the university will administer 4,500 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to undergraduate students Monday through Wednesday this week.

“I urge that undergraduates reserve their times as soon as possible to assist the vaccination process,” University President Rev. William P. Leahy wrote in the letter.

Undergraduate students will be given priority, but additional vaccines may become available for graduate and professional students, staff and faculty according to Leahy.

Boston College follows Lasell University in Newton and Boston University, Northeastern University, and Emerson College, which have all made similar vaccine requirements for their students for the 2021-22 academic year.

Leahy said exceptions will be granted for legitimate religious and medical reasons.

Between April 19 and April 25, 11,329 Boston College community members were tested, and of those 19 tested positive. Of the 9,397 undergraduates tested, 16 came back positive. There are 38 undergraduates in isolation as of Friday.

Previously: Lasell University In Newton To Require Students To Get Coronavirus