UCSB’s Fall Vaccine Requirement

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Photo Courtesy of Steven Cornfield

Rayne Frantzen

Breaking News Reporter

The UC Office of the President has released a policy proposal calling for campus-wide COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The policy requests all UC personnel, trainees, and students who will be accessing university facilities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall 2021 term. This mandate won’t be enforced until the full approval and widespread availability of at least one vaccine.

According to the proposal, the purpose of the policy is to protect the health and safety of the university community, which includes faculty, academic appointees, staff, trainees, students, and others who work, live, or learn on any of the nine UC campuses. Obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended for all members. 

There are exemptions in this policy, however. If a person holds a religious belief, practice, or observance of a traditionally recognized religion, then they can be exempted from the vaccine requirement. Requests for exceptions will be available if the plan is finalized and must be submitted to the authorized campus representatives. 

“The policy requests all UC personnel, trainees, and students who will be accessing university facilities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall 2021 term.”

This policy was proposed by the executive vice president, UC Health, and the executive vice president UC Operations (Campuses, ANR, Labs). 

Santa Barbara County has lowered the age limit of the COVID-19 Vaccine to 16 years old. Information on the COVID-19 Vaccination can be found at the UCSB Student Health website