The University of Michigan will be requiring that their students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the fall semester, WXYZ reported.
President Mark Schlissel announced these major changes on Friday, according to the article, which also said that the vaccination requirement applies, too, to Michigan Medicine. The decision was made after vaccine rates decreased across the region and country, along with rising COVID-19 cases with the spreading of the more contagious Delta variant.
“Widespread vaccination is the primary and most effective tool that will bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control and it is the key to a vibrant and engaging academic year,” university wrote in an email in the story. “We’re making this announcement today to allow those who remain unvaccinated the time to begin their vaccination series in the month ahead,” the email said.
“While we will provide limited exemptions for medical and religious reasons, it is imperative that all members of our community are protected from this devastating virus,” Schlissel added.
The university will require all faculty, staff and students to prepare for one of the following:
- Submit proof of vaccination (full or partial) no later than Aug. 30.
- Apply for a medical or religious exemption.
According to the university, roughly 81% of students and 65% of employees are vaccinated. Seventy-six percent of Michigan Medicine employees have already reported their vaccinations, the university said in the article.
Read the full story here.
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