Universities across the country make vaccine mandatory for in-person return

More than a dozen schools have come together to make vaccines mandatory, though Biola is allowing students to make the choice.

Maria Weyne and Natalie Willis • April 22, 2021

Universities across the country make vaccine mandatory for in-person return

Photo courtesy of Photo by CDC on Unsplash

On April 22, the University of California and California State University school systems announced that they intend to make the COVID-19 vaccine required for students returning to campus.

VACCINATING THE YOUTH

According to the Los Angeles Times, the schools are waiting for the Food and Drug Administration to ensure there are enough doses for the population. In addition, several colleges around the country have issued blanket requirements for the vaccine including Ivy Leagues such as Cornell University, Columbia University and Duke University.

On April 14, California issued a statement allowing anyone above the age of 16 to get vaccinated. However, in the same week Moderna and Johnson & Johnson experienced shortages in their supply. Though the effects of these shortages is not yet clear, the process of vaccinating the country could be delayed.

KEEPING EAGLES SAFE

According to the Biola Health Center while students, faculty and staff are not required to receive the vaccine, it is encouraged. Those who opt out of receiving the vaccine will be subject to frequent COVID-19 testing and in the event of an outbreak, will be placed into mandatory quarantine.

Other faith-based schools such as Azusa Pacific University and Vanguard University have yet to issue statements regarding the vaccine.

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About the Contributors

Maria Weyne, News Editor

Natalie Willis, Editor-in-Chief

Natalie Willis is a junior journalism major who loves golden retrievers, Wes Anderson movies and rainy days. Hi! I am from Bakersfield, CA, land of cows and oil rigs. Growing up on a farm with a veterinarian father, I assumed I would follow in his footsteps to pursue a career in agriculture. God had other plans. Reluctantly, I listened but had every intention to switch my major from journalism to pretty much anything else. Half way through my freshman year, I was working on a portfolio project which involved pitching ideas, interviewing sources and telling a story—suddenly, everything clicked into place. I loved what I was doing, who I was meeting and where I thought I could go. God has a way of telling us we are on the right path and I have felt that throughout my college career. Three years ago, if someone told me I would be the editor-in-chief of a student news publication I would have politely advised them to seek counseling. Now, I cannot imagine a life without tight story deadlines and strict adherence to AP style. I am so excited to lead The Chimes this year as we enter into a new era of print media.