Students react to California’s public universities to require COVID-19 vaccine

Two of the nation’s largest university systems say they intend to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff on University of California and California State University campuses this fall.

The new policy would impact millions of CSU and UC employees and students across 33 campuses.

“It's just one more vaccine that we need to add to the list, which doesn't really seem like a huge deal to me," said Michaela Miller, a UCR student.

“I think it's a fantastic idea as I told you I have two kids that go to UCSB they are both vaccinated they are going to return to class next year," said Dr. Brian Hodgkins, a Pharmacist for Desert Oasis Healthcare.

This will take effect at the start of the fall semester or once one of the three emergency authorized vaccines become fully approved by the FDA, whichever comes first.

“If you can get them all vaccinated you are really closing a huge segment of the population that is really could be in the spreader community," said Dr. Hodgkins.

Right now the available vaccines only have the FDA’s emergency use authorization. 

Denise Woods, UCR’s Assistant Vice Chancellor, is hoping the proposed plans get approved soon before students register for classes in May.

“We're trying to figure out how we can tackle that so that before students even register," said Denise Woods. "They have to show proof of vaccination. Otherwise, we would be for them to register and then they would have to show vaccine proof before the first day of classes.”

University officials say students or employees could be exempt based on medical or religious grounds.

There is an exception to the rule people can opt out of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement if they cite medical or religious reasons however they will be subject to additional safety measures.