LSU President William F. Tate IV today announced that the university will require COVID-19 shots as soon as the FDA grants full authorization to them. He said they expect that to happen within weeks.
"We're expecting approval of a vaccine by the FDA, perhaps even in weeks," Tate announced in a video message. "We plan to mandate the vaccine at that time."
Tate went on to say that no one should wait, and urged people to get it now.
"I think it's wise and a proper course for you to consider right now getting vaccinated ahead of that particular time," he said.
Right now, three vaccines are available in the U.S. under an emergency use authorization from the FDA, which allows them to speed up the process of getting vaccines and other medications to the public during public health emergencies.
President Tate sent a letter to LSU students and staff urging everyone to get vaccinated.
Dear LSU students:
Welcome to all of our new and returning students. Our collective experience this academic year depends on our ability to navigate the pandemic. You share in the responsibility of lowering our risk of disease spread. As I say in this video message, we expect the FDA to fully authorize one or more of the COVID vaccines in the next few weeks, at which point we will act swiftly to mandate it at LSU. In the meantime, I strongly encourage you to go ahead and get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your peers, and the faculty and staff who will be alongside you through your academic journey.
We look forward to seeing you soon.