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The State University of New York (SUNY) chancellor announced on Tuesday that the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be mandated for students to attend one of SUNY’s 64 campuses, effective for summer courses.
According to a release, SUNY chancellor John B. King noted the lifting of the vaccine mandate coincides with United State President Joe Biden’s official ending to the national public health emergency as well on Tuesday.
“The safety of SUNY’s students is our first and foremost priority, and while COVID is no longer an emergency, we will not lose sight of the impact it continues to have on us,” King said. “Across SUNY we will continue to monitor cases and make adjustments as needed, but even more importantly, we will look to increase the overall health and wellness support we provide our students.”
SUNY’s decision came at the recommendation of its public health expert advisory committee, which includes physicians and experts in infectious disease, public health and neuroscience.
According to the release, SUNY students are mainly New York state natives. Based on data collected by SUNY, 77.5 percent of 18-to-25 year olds and 79.8 percent of 26-to-34 year olds across the state completed their vaccination.
With the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a decline in infection rates, it was time for SUNY to make the decision on their vaccine mandate.
“SUNY will continuously examine COVID-19 data and update its policy as needed based on local conditions or in response to requirements imposed by federal, state, or local authorities,” noted in the release. “Campuses will also continue to monitor local conditions carefully and make changes as appropriate.”
