In Reversal, U Of MN Will Require COVID-19 Vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS — The entire University of Minnesota system will require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it receives full approval from the Food and Drug Administration, reversing its policy that was issued earlier this summer.

Minnesota joins other public universities, including Michigan State University, Purdue University, the University of Florida, in requiring the vaccine.

"Upon formal FDA approval, the COVID-19 vaccine will be added to the list of required vaccinations for all University of Minnesota students statewide," the university states.

"For faculty and staff statewide, while consultation with governance groups continues, the University expects individuals to attest that they are vaccinated or comply with a to-be-determined COVID-19 testing schedule."

In June, the University of Minnesota said that it would not require people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

"I recognize that some of you will have questions about Get the Vax 2.0 and the fall semester in general," University of Minnesota-Twin Cities President Joan Gabel wrote in a letter Monday.

"If so, I hope you’ll join me, the Senate Consultative Committee, and other University leaders at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, for a virtual Town Hall."

At least 12 private colleges and universities in Minnesota have already announced their own vaccine mandates.

Minnesota law currently requires college students to be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. Twin Cities students can receive the vaccine at Boyton Health.