(WXYZ) — The University of Michigan is requiring students who choose to live on the Ann Arbor campus in the fall 2021 semester to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The requirement does have exemptions and applies only to students who live in residence halls or other university housing.
“I see no problem with it as long as stuff opens up," said Sophomore Dominic Blanco. "I'm ready to experience a normal college year.”
There are vaccination clinics at the university for students to get free vaccinations on the campus or nearby.
“It seems like the attitude is 'why not get it,' and in general students are encouraging other students to get it,” said Sophomore Miles Berger. "It seems like most of my friends have either gotten it or are in the process of getting it.”
Those students who want to live on campus must submit their proof of vaccination or an approved exemption by July 15 so they can move into their rooms.
"Congregate living settings, like residence halls, are at high risk for spread of illness, especially with B.1.1.7 and other variants that spread more easily. Vaccination is a key prevention tool to be used in this space, and beyond, to reduce the spread of COVID-19," School of Public Health Dean F. DuBois Bowman said in a release.
"We strongly encourage all students to get vaccinated because we know the vaccines are highly effective and extremely safe," said Robert Ernst, associate vice president of student life for health and wellness, executive director of University Health Service, and assistant professor of internal medicine.
The university plans to have about 80% capacity at residence halls with expanded use of shared spaces in the fall.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
Visit our The Rebound Detroit, a place where we are working to help people impacted financially from the coronavirus. We have all the information on everything available to help you through this crisis and how to access it.
