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Miami University announces COVID-19 vaccination requirement

Students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated by Nov. 22

Today, Miami University announced plans to implement a vaccine requirement that all students, faculty, and staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 22, 2021. 

There will be an opportunity to request an exemption of the vaccine requirement for medical reasons, religious reasons, or for reasons of conscience, including ethical and philosophical beliefs. 

“All of us would like to return to pre-pandemic conditions where we can all be together, collaborating in our vibrant learning community focused on mission and purpose,” Miami University President Gregory P. Crawford said. “Vaccination is a necessary tool to move us toward that goal.”

Before students are permitted to register for spring semester classes, they must have begun the vaccination process with at least one dose by Oct. 25 or have received an approved exemption. Students will not be disenrolled for the fall term. 

To claim an exclusion for reasons of conscience, or a religious belief, individuals must complete documentation affirming a sincerely held belief, acknowledging the risk of serious illness, and agreeing to comply with health and safety requirements to best protect the community and themselves—including testing—for unvaccinated individuals.

Additionally, a deferral may be granted for pregnancy or nursing or for those who have had COVID-19 within 90 days preceding Oct. 25. 

Employees who choose not to be vaccinated and who do not receive an exemption or deferral may face university disciplinary action.

Since the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 23, Miami University leaders have met with faculty, staff, and student groups, and sought feedback from individuals in the campus community about the possibility of a vaccine mandate. Their feedback — along with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local, state, and federal public health officials — helped shape Miami’s policy. 

“We strongly urge all members of our community to start the vaccination or exemption process as soon as possible,” President Crawford said. “The delta variant has shown to be particularly contagious and dangerous for those who are unvaccinated; this is not the time to wait for a deadline to act.” 

Free vaccines are available for any member of the Miami community. The Armstrong Student Center COVID-19 drop-in vaccination clinic is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary. 

Additionally, all students and employees (and spouses/dependents 12 years or older) can get a free COVID-19 vaccine through the Health Services on the Oxford campus (500 Harris Drive). To schedule, call 513-529-3000.

For more information on Miami University’s Vaccine Requirement visit: www.miamioh.edu/vaccine. The President’s announcement can be found at: https://www.miamioh.edu/covid19/campus-announcements/2021/08/vaccine-requirement-announcement.html