University of Puget Sound Requires Students Take COVID-19 Vaccine

TACOMA, WA — The University of Puget Sound is the latest of Washington's higher-education programs to mandate that students take the COVID-19 vaccine.

In an announcement sent to staff, students and families Friday, the University confirmed that, following guidance from the state and local health agencies, they would be requiring students to be immunized against COVID-19 if they want to enroll in the fall 2021 semester.

Some exceptions will be permitted. As University president Isiaah Crawford explains:

"All undergraduate and graduate students will need to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated prior to the beginning of the fall semester, with limited exceptions granted for medical or religious reasons. Students who have an approved exception may still be required to be tested or adhere to additional social distancing, masking, or other requirements to safely participate in campus activities."

Staff and faculty, on the other hand, are strongly encouraged to take the vaccine but are not required to, at least not right now. The university says they may in the future, depending on the evolving guidance from the federal and state governments.

The school also plans to announce more on their COVID-19 testing protocols before the summer semester.

"Meanwhile, thank you for everything you are doing to keep yourselves and others healthy," writes Crawford. "Vaccination is one of the best tools we have right now for returning to our full campus experience as quickly and safely as possible."

The news follows a similar move earlier this week by the University of Washington, which is also requiring students take the COVID-19 vaccine at all three of its campuses.

University of Puget Sound Students who want to get vaccinated can receive a dose on campus later this month. The school says they've got a surplus of the Moderna vaccine, and will be offering first and second doses to anyone 18 or older at a clinic May 19 - 20. Anyone interested in setting up an appointment at the clinic can do so by emailing dbus@pugetsound.edu by 5 p.m. Sunday. They will also be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to walk-ins on both days, though J&J doses are limited and may run out.

>> Read Crawford's full message to students at the University of Puget Sound's website.