USM announces COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all students, faculty and staff in the fall

Vaccine requirements announced for University System of Maryland students, staff and faculty on Friday by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman

All University System of Maryland (USM) students, staff and faculty who plan to be on campus this fall are required to be vaccinated, USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman announced on Friday.

In his announcement, Perman mentioned that new COVID-19 data showed that 40% of patients are under 40 years old in Maryland.

Concerns have been on the rise in recent months as a more contagious “U.K. variant” has become more prominent. 

“That’s what we’re preparing for: more infectious, more harmful variants that we think could be circulating on our campuses come fall,” said Perman.

Perman announced before that mandating the COVID vaccine would be a reasonable measure to prevent spread. He said that he now believes that mandating the COVID vaccine is the most effective measure. 

The USM will still continue other strategies, such as pre-arrival COVID testing for anyone going on campuses and symptom monitoring.

This upcoming fall, UMD is planning to further increase capacity from the spring semester to allow more returning students and incoming freshmen to live in residence halls. Perman said that with higher campus density, more serious intervention is required - such as the vaccine.

“We want students to have these bonding opportunities. We want them to have a college experience that breeds a sense of belonging,” said Perman.

Around the country, states are opening vaccine eligibility to everyone 18 years and older. The state of Maryland recently announced that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to get the vaccine. 

“The universities will be communicating frequently with their students, families, faculty and staff so that everyone knows what’s required—and why,” Perman said.