
The University of California announced Thursday that COVID-19 vaccinations will be required before the fall term begins for all students, faculty and staff, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The decision by the UC system makes it the nation’s largest public university system to mandate vaccines. Other public higher education systems in the state are not being as firm, the Times said.
Exceptions will be allowed based on medical, religious and disability grounds, along with deferrals due to pregnancy. Proof of vaccination or requests for exemptions must be submitted at least two weeks before the first day of fall instruction.
According to the Times, the California State University system has not finalized its requirements. The system has said it plans to mandate vaccinations only after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives full approval to at least one of the vaccines.
The Los Angeles Community College District also is encouraging, but not requiring vaccinations for students, faculty and staff.
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, nearly 600 higher education institutions around the country have announced mandates. More than 60 are in California, including USC, Occidental, Chapman, Pepperdine and the Claremont Colleges.