Boston University is the latest local institution to announce that it will require all students to be vaccinated before the start of the fall semester.
BU officials said they will also “make every effort” to vaccinate students if they arrive on campus unvaccinated in the fall.
“Our goal is to move to a ‘new normal’ in the fall that includes only minimal social distancing, where all our facilities are open, students can move freely between residences, and guests are welcome. The key to achieving this state will be vaccination of nearly everyone in our community, especially our students,” BU President Robert Brown wrote in a letter to the campus community.
“I fully support it,” said sophomore Miles Stern. “I think reasons to get the vaccine outweigh any concerns that I personally have. It’s really important we get back to normal in the fall.”
The university said they will allow a process for medical and religious exemptions.
In Massachusetts, all residents over the age of 16 will be eligible to be vaccinated starting April 19. So far, more than 1.6 million people in the state are fully vaccinated.
“We expect our classrooms, laboratories, dining halls, and recreation facilities to be filled with students who are vaccinated,” Brown wrote. “Even so, because the vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing disease spread, we will use some public health protocols. Mask wearing in gatherings, such as in classrooms, may be required, at least as we start the fall semester. We also will continue testing in the community to monitor any resurgence of the virus and continue the contact tracing that has proven so effective this year.”
“Obviously, getting a vaccine is a personal choice, but if you’re living among 30,000 people, I think it’s a smart decision,” said sophomore Yalini Manivasa.
Last week, Northeastern University announced that it would require all students to be vaccinated.
Vaccines administered to date in Massachusetts:
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