Local universities, colleges not requiring coronavirus vaccination for the fall semester

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With the start of the fall semester a few weeks away, colleges in Columbia are not planning to require vaccination, but strongly encourage students that are unvaccinated to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The University of Missouri is asking students to begin their vaccination plan if they have not done so already. Students that have received their vaccine elsewhere will be able to receive their second shot in Columbia if necessary no matter what type of vaccination.

The first day of classes is Aug. 23, meaning time is getting tight to be fully vaccinated before school starts. A student who took the first dose of Pfizer vaccine Tuesday would not be fully vaccinated until Aug. 24.

MU asks that all unvaccinated students take precautions, wear masks, and use social distance. Masks are encouraged indoors regardless of vaccination status to reduce disease transmission.

University leadership has said in messages to campus that it will keep monitoring the situation and might adjust plans if needed. Mid-Missouri and the state as a whole are experiencing a summer surge in cases, with rates in some places reaching levels not seen since winter.

"Since we do have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in our community, we need to remain mindful that everyone will make their own decisions about mask wearing and social distancing. Individuals may volunteer their vaccination status but should not be asked about it," Mark Diedrich, MU incident commander, said in a policy update email.

MU is telling students and employees to stay home when they are sick, seek testing and report positive cases.

There are 19 active student cases at MU. The university has recorded 3,340 student cases since Aug. 19, 2020.

Columbia College is welcoming students back to its locations for full-time, in-person classes beginning Aug. 30. Masks and social distancing are encouraged but not required for students, faculty and staff.

Columbia College is encouraging all students to get the vaccine.

Sam Fleury, the director of Strategic Communications at Columbia College said they will continue to provide information and education to all students, on when where and why to get vaccinated.

Stephens College will not require masks in the fall, either, but is encouraging students to follow safety guidelines.

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