Officials at Duke University say the school will have to provide proof of all new and returning students that they will be vaccinated before they can enroll for the fall semester.
DURHAM, NC – Duke University will require all new and returning students to submit a vaccination certificate to health officials before they can enroll for the fall semester, the school’s president said Friday.
A statement from Duke President Vincent Price said the policy would cover all undergraduate, graduate and professional students in all degree programs that plan to be on the Duke campus during any period from the fall semester.
Price says documented medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated.
According to the statement, students and employees who have not yet been vaccinated by Duke are asked to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The school cannot guarantee that the supply of vaccines will continue at the same rate, and said that those who miss the chance to be vaccinated should get a vaccination from another healthcare provider or a public health agency and the student’s health officials confirmed.
Other universities, including Brown, Cornell, Notre Dame, Northeastern and Rutgers, have announced plans for similar vaccine requirements.
In March, Duke University instituted a place-to-order for all undergraduate students following an increase in COVID-19 cases that officials blamed primarily on students who attended fraternity gatherings. In one week, more than 180 students were in isolation after testing positive, and another 200 students were quarantined due to contact detection.