Regis University to require coronavirus vaccine for fall classes
Regis University to require coronavirus vaccine for fall classes
To protect the health of its students and employees and to ensure a full return to in-person teaching and learning this fall, Regis University will add coronavirus vaccines to its current list of required immunizations for students, and require all employees to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as well.
At present, the university requires all students to provide proof of two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines. Students living on campus are further required to provide proof of the meningitis (MenACWY) within the last five years. All students are recommended to receive the meningitis B vaccine.
“Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19 and known variants. That means getting a vaccine is the most loving and moral thing we can make to protect everyone’s health and ensure a return to in-person classes, athletics and all campus life for both our residential and commuter students,” said Regis University President the Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. “To get back to normal we must reduce the risk of infection and anxiety for everyone. This is the pathway to that normal.”
As with other immunizations, the university will accommodate exemptions based on medical and religious reasons but anticipates a high level of compliance, said Fitzgibbons, who received his vaccination last month. Fewer than 20 students a year typically request an exemption.
Students, faculty and staff who are fully remote, and not required to be on campus, are exempt from the requirement but strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and others in society, notably people who have compromised immune systems and other vulnerabilities.
“It’s an ethical choice, because you are playing with health, life, but you are also playing with the lives of others. I’ve signed up. One must do it.” – Pope Francis.
The science surrounding the vaccines which prevent COVID-19 is quite clear: they are incredibly effective – between 70-95% at preventing disease – and safe. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is easily transmissible a vaccinated community will be imperative for a healthy return to campus in the fall, according to medical experts and Regis University pharmaceutical sciences professor, Dr. Stephanie James, who studies vaccines and infectious disease.
More than 32 million Americans have been infected with COVID-19 and 579,366 have died to date. More than 334 million vaccine doses have been distributed and 116 million Americans, or 35 percent, are now fully vaccinated.