SUNY ends COVID-19 vaccine mandates

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The SUNY system is putting an end to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, starting with summer courses. SUNY is asking everyone to keep up with vaccinations, similar to vaccinations for the flu.

“The safety of SUNY’s students is our first and foremost priority, and while COVID is no longer an emergency, we will not lose sight of the impact it continues to have on us,” says SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “Across SUNY we will continue to monitor cases and make adjustments as needed, but even more importantly, we will look to increase the overall health and wellness support we provide our students.”

The decision came at the recommendation of SUNY’s Public Health Expert Advisory Committee, which is comprised of physicians and experts in infectious disease, public health, and neuroscience. The group was convened earlier this year to collect and review data on vaccinations, as well as trends in infection rates from newer variants. SUNY also worked with State health officials in making this decision.

Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “While it is reassuring to see the progress we’ve made against the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions are still very important to ensure that progress continues. The Department reminds people that we are fortunate to have easily accessible safe and effective vaccines. High risk individuals such as people 65 and older, as well as younger people with underlying conditions should make sure they are up to date with the vaccine. The Department will continue to consult with SUNY administrators as we monitor the data and align recommendations with those issued by the CDC as we transition out of the Public Health Emergency.”

Co-Chairs of the Public Health Expert Workgroup, Upstate Medical President Mantosh J. Dewan, MD and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences President Wayne J. Riley, MD, said, “Across the nation, we have been pleased to see the rates of infection come down as vaccination levels improved and the new COVID variants became much less severe. SUNY’s updated public health policy for COVID-19 is in line with other city, state, and national action to relax the mandate, and also provides campuses with protocols to keep campuses safe should there be any uptick in cases.”

The vast majority of SUNY students are New Yorkers, and to date approximately 77.5 percent of 18–25-year-olds and 79.8 percent of 26–34-year-olds across the state have completed their primary series vaccination. In addition, rates of infection continue to decline across the country according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SUNY says it will continuously examine COVID-19 data and update its policy as needed based on local conditions or in response to requirements imposed by federal, state, or local authorities. Campuses will also continue to monitor local conditions carefully and make changes as appropriate.

The mandate's conclusion coincides with the federal COVID emergency ending in May.