U Of MN Won't Require COVID-19 Vaccine This Fall: Here's Why

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota announced Monday that it will not require people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine "to live, learn, and work" on campuses this fall. University officials expect that most people on campus will choose to be vaccinated, even without a requirement.

"Our public health and medical experts confirm that vaccine requirements will not result in 100 percent vaccination rates," reads a statement from the university. "Experience suggests that an incentivized approach can be very effective in succeeding with our fall semester plans."

A May 2021 randomized survey of 12,500 Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff found that 96 percent of respondents received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 84 percent said they were fully vaccinated.

"We recognize each region of our state has varying vaccination rates," the university said. "We have confidence in our University community’s ability to lead the way."

At least two private colleges in Minnesota will require the vaccine this fall.

Minnesota law currently requires college students to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Twin Cities students can receive the vaccine at Boyton Health.