The University of California and California State University school officials announced Thursday that students, faculty and staff members who need to access any facilities on campuses next fall will need to be immunized.
Officials say the requirement would go into effect during the fall 2021 semester if one or more vaccines are fully approved by the FDA. Currently, the FDA has only given emergency authorization to the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in the United States.
If no vaccine has received full FDA approval by fall, the policy will go into effect as soon as one does.
CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph Castro said in a news release this is to help ensure the health and safety of all of those who step onto any of the campuses.
School officials said the COVID vaccine would become part of the system's current immunization requirements. Students and employees of both systems could receive an approved exemption for medical or religious purposes.
“Receiving a vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 is a key step people can take to protect themselves, their friends and family, and our campus communities while helping bring the pandemic to an end,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, who’s also medical doctor.
UC and CSU said they wanted to make people aware of their plans now so that they’ll have ample time to secure a vaccine.