CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Rutgers University is the first college in the region, and maybe the entire country, that is requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine for the fall semester. This affects students who attend any of the Rutgers campuses, including the one in Camden. School officials say this will lead to "an expedited return to pre-pandemic normal."
In a statement, the university said it made the decision based on advice from medical experts and reassurances from the federal government that there will be enough doses for every American adult by the end of May.
"We have approximately four to five months to work with our students to make sure that they are vaccinated," said Tony Calcado, Rutgers executive vice president and chief operating officer. "They will not be able to attend the university if they don’t fall under one of those exemptions or if they are not vaccinated for the fall semester."
Students will have to show proof of vaccination. They will be able to request an exemption for religious or medical reasons. The requirement also does not apply to those who are enrolled in fully remote, online programs. Faculty and staff are not mandated to get the vaccine either, though the university is recommending that they do.
At some point, when doses become available, the university says it will set up on-campus clinics to help with the campaign. However, officials are urging students to not wait, and to register with the state to get an appointment as soon as it becomes available.
Rutgers, and most institutions, already have immunization requirements for the MMR, hepatitis B and meningitis vaccines.