Oregon State, University Of Oregon Requiring COVID Booster Shots

PORTLAND, OR — Oregon State University is joining the University of Oregon in requiring students and staff to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots before returning to campus for winter term. OSU made the announcement on Tuesday.

Students and staff are urged to get their shots and a completed COVID-19 test before returning to campus. The school says that tests will be available on campus.

Tests are absolutely required before students return to the dorms.

Oregon State's interim president, Becky Johnson, says that the decision was made after checking with health officials and after seeing how transmittable omicron is; even if the resulting illnesses have not been as severe.

"We seek to minimize disruption of student learning and experience and provide predictability for our faculty and university operations," Johnson said.

University of Oregon Provost and Senior Vice President Patrick Phillipa said that they are making the same requirements though on a slightly different timeline.

"As with our existing vaccination requirements, the University of Oregon will continue to recognize both medical and non-medical exemptions to the booster shot requirement, consistent with state law.," Phillips said.