More Ohio universities now requiring COVID-19 vaccines for all students, staff

Four Ohio universities have made announcements this week, requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students, staff, and faculty members.

The University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Ohio University, and Bowling Green State University have all issued statements requiring proof of vaccination by November.

>> Ohio State requiring all students, faculty and staff to get COVID 19 vaccine

On Thursday, BGSU became the latest to add the vaccine requirement or seek an appropriate exemption. Proof of full vaccination must be submitted to BGSU officials no later than Nov. 29.

“We expect our community to get vaccinated,” BGSU President Dr. Rodney Rogers said in a message to campus members.

BGSU, like Miami and Ohio, will allow for an individual to apply for an exemption for medical or religious reasons or for ethical or philosophical beliefs. For BGSU, a Nov. 1 deadline was set for those to submit applications for an approved exemption.

Unvaccinated individuals will be required to follow previously outlined protocols including regular COVID-19 testing.

“Those students who do not submit their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or do not receive an approved exemption may not be allowed to enroll in face-to-face classes this spring or live in an on-campus residence hall next semester. Those faculty and staff who do not complete this process may be subject to discipline in accordance with University policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements,” Rogers said.

The University of Cincinnati announced Tuesday that the deadline for students, staff and faculty to get their first jab is Oct. 15. The second should be complete by Nov. 15, according to our news partners at WCPO.

“To safeguard the campus community and in response to the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the University of Cincinnati is requiring faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated,” university representatives wrote online.

Miami University is requiring students, staff and faculty to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by Nov. 22, and Ohio University’s vaccine deadline is Nov. 15.

>> Coronavirus: FDA grants full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

“All of us would like to return to pre-pandemic conditions where we can all be together, collaborating in our vibrant learning community focused on mission and purpose,” Miami University President Gregory P. Crawford said in a news release. “Vaccination is a necessary tool to move us toward that goal.”

Students will have to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption in order to register for spring classes at both schools.

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