UConn Requires Full Coronavirus Vaccination For All Staff

CONNECTICUT — The University of Connecticut is requiring its entire staff to receive coronavirus vaccines by the middle of October, according to a memo to staff this week from interim President Andrew Agwunobi.

The move was deemed necessary due to the ongoing fight against COVID-19, particularly as the highly infectious delta variant continues to spread through the state and the nation.

Earlier this summer, UConn announced that all students must be vaccinated before returning to school in the fall. Additionally, Quinnipiac University this week implemented a fining structure for students who have not disclosed vaccination status.

"As you are aware, at the University of Connecticut and UConn Health, our primary goal during this pandemic is to keep all employees, students, and patients safe," Agwunobi wrote. "This is particularly important given the rise of the Delta variant and the upcoming start of in-person classes. To this end, we are writing to announce that in addition to our student vaccine mandate, UConn and UConn Health are now requiring that currently active and new employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees must show evidence of vaccination by Oct. 15, 2021."

Staffers with medical conditions that preclude receiving the vaccine, or those with religious convictions against vaccination, can apply for exemptions to the mandate.

According to the school, there are a total of 9,800 full- and part-time employees, which breaks down to about 5,100 at its school campuses, and another 4,700 at UConn Health.

However, those staffers who do not comply with the mandate face possible termination, according to the enforcement section of the policy:

Violations of this policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures, up to an including dismissal, in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, other applicable University Policies, or as outlined in any procedures document related to this policy.

The UConn vaccination policy can be found by clicking here.