KENT, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
Kent State University is the latest higher education institution to implement a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. The news was announced in a press release sent to students, faculty, and community members on Friday.
“As the delta variant drives a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases across Ohio, we must act for the health and safety of our Kent State family and the Northeast Ohio communities in which our campuses are located,” said President Todd Diacon in a press release.
The vaccine requirement will be implemented in three phases throughout the course of the fall semester with all students, faculty and staff being required to be fully vaccinated by December 20.
You can read a complete breakdown of the phases below:
- Phase 1
"Start getting vaccinated! Beginning Sept. 1, we will expand our testing efforts to include sample testing of unvaccinated students living off campus and unvaccinated employees. Unvaccinated students in the residence halls will continue to be tested once a week."
- Phase 2
"Conclude your vaccinations! Beginning Nov. 1, all unvaccinated students in residence halls will be tested twice a week; all other unvaccinated students and unvaccinated employees will be tested once a week. This is particularly important as cold weather arrives and we spend more time indoors together."
- Phase 3
"Effective Dec. 20, all students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Booster shots also may be required in the future."
The news comes on the heels of the Pfizer vaccine receiving full FDA approval on Monday which Kent State officials say played a role in their decision.
"We now have an official acknowledgment that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at stopping the spread of this deadly virus," the press release read.
Kent State is the second Ohio-based university to require the vaccine. Ohio State University announced this vaccine requirement on Tuesday.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.