CORVALLIS, Ore. — Portland State University will require all students attending classes on campus to receive a COVID-19 vaccine ahead of fall term in September. The decision comes a day after Oregon State University announced the same requirement for their students and faculty.
Portland State will also require vaccinations for faculty and staff, the university said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Widespread vaccination is our clearest and best path toward that future. These vaccines have been proven safe and effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and PSU is committed to being a partner in the public health of our region,” said PSU President Stephen Percy.
On Tuesday, Oregon State University announced their decision to require vaccinations against COVID-19.
“As we advance our plans to resume traditional on-site and in-person activities for the 2021-22 academic year, high rates of vaccination among our students, faculty and staff are needed to help improve the safety and well-being of our community,” OSU's interim president Becky Johnson said in a statement Tuesday.
“This vaccination requirement is intended for students and university employees so that we mutually contribute to the greatest level of population protection possible from COVID-19," she added.
The university is still figuring out how students and staff will prove they've been vaccinated or request an exemption if necessary. Students who are only taking online courses will not need to get the vaccine, but OSU leaders are still encouraging them to do so.
University of Portland, Lewis & Clark College and Willamette University in Salem, all of which are privately owned, announced last month that COVID vaccinations will be required.
University of Washington and Washington State University also said vaccinations will be required.
The University of Oregon (UO) told KGW they have not decided whether to require vaccinations.
A UO spokesperson provided the following statement on Wednesday:
Given the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations to public health, the university is carefully considering our options for requiring members of the UO community to be vaccinated. We are engaging with employee and student groups, as well as public health partners, as we consider a path forward. We know this decision is important to the community and we expect to communicate something soon.