The University of Hawaii (UH) System will be requiring students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in on-campus learning; this new requirement will start in the fall 2021 semester.
One important consideration is pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of at least one of the three COVID-19 vaccines presently under emergency use authorization. At least one vaccine needs be fully licensed by the FDA prior to the university requiring students to receive it.
“It is clear that a vaccinated campus is a safer campus for everyone, and a fully vaccinated student community enables the best opportunity for a healthy return to high-quality face-to-face teaching, learning and research,” UH President David Lassner said, according to a press release from Gov. David Ige. “This decision does not come lightly and is based on guidance from our own Health and Well-Being Working Group, as well as the American College Health Association recommendation that all on-campus college students be required to be vaccinated.”
David Lassner
| University of Hawaii
The university’s decision to include the COVID-19 vaccine requirement is vital in ensuring a safer environment for the students, educators and the state, according to Hawaii Department of Health Director Libby Char.
Students who have medical and religious excuses will still be able to request exemptions from the requirement. Additional and detailed information will be released in the next few months as implementation plans are finalized.
Students who are unvaccinated are still welcome at the university and may enroll in online courses, according to the governor's release.