Drew University To Require COVID-19 Vaccine For Fall

MADISON, NJ — Drew University joins a growing number of colleges that will require students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by next school year. Students must show evidence of immunization at least two weeks before moving into their residence hall, while commuters must show proof by Aug. 13.

Last month, university officials "strongly encouraged" students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 but didn't set a requirement. But they join many New Jersey universities who will now make them a prerequisite for campus learning and living.

Drew University students will upload evidence of COVID-19 vaccination to the university student health portal, the institution said Monday. The university will allow medical and religious exemptions. Students learning off campus or fully online are also exempt.

The university will also work closely with international students who may not be able to get vaccinated before leaving their home countries.

Background on College Vaccine Mandates

Rutgers announced last month it would require COVID-19 vaccinations before a fall return to campus, and several universities have followed. Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "very impressed" with Rutgers' decision, but he hasn't issued guidance for other colleges and universities. But critics of the move say it limits personal choices.

"I have asked for a bill to be drawn up that any school that takes state funding cannot mandate a vaccine," said state Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, who represents New Jersey's 13th Legislative district. "It's not that I don't believe in the vaccine; I got the vaccine. I just don't believe we should mandate people to get it, especially kids."

Since then, several universities created similar requirements, such as Princeton and Fairleigh Dickinson.

Colleges have long required vaccinations against infectious diseases. A recent survey showed 87.5 percent of campuses required the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Universities will most often enforce vaccine mandates through a registration hold, which bars students from signing up for classes until they meet the requirement. Some schools prohibit students from campus housing without proof of vaccination.

But currently approved COVID-19 vaccines only have emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA could fully approve the COVID-19 vaccines as early as summer.

The American Council on Education, which represents universities, feels confident such mandates pass legal muster.

"The legal right of institutions to require COVID-19 vaccination for students seems likely to be upheld as vaccine availability increases," the council said in an issue brief.

The statement includes alternatives to mandates, such as offering incentives to get vaccinated and making online learning available for students who opt against getting the shot.

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