SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah is now requiring students to receive a booster shot to be recognized as being fully vaccinated; the first major university in Utah to mandate boosters.
READ: University of Utah stocks vending machine with COVID tests
In an email to students, school officials announced the new booster requirement for the Spring 2022 semester. Students who have not received a booster will be unable to register for future classes.
"We want our students, faculty, and staff to be able to interact fully in person across campus, and the safest and most effective way to get back to those experiences is through these proven strategies," wrote Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald.
A school official told FOX 13 that 84% of the student body is fully-vaccinated, while another 7% are partially-vaccinated and another 7% who have claimed exemptions.
"I can tell you from my experience of being on campus, students are paying attention. We are really lucky to have a high vaccination rate among our students and staff and faculty on campus," said Morgan Aguilar, a University of Utah communications specialist.
The university previously announced new on-campus COVID-19 protocols in which anyone who tests positive must:
- Isolate for five days.
- Test again five days after the initial test.
- Mask for five days when around others after the isolation period is over.
