The University of Michigan has revised its vaccination policy, no longer requiring Michigan Housing students to receive a dose of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
The policy, which became effective July 5, does still require them to report their COVID-19 vaccination information, along with other routine immunization histories. The majority of students applying for Michigan Housing are already in compliance with this latest policy revision.
MORE INFORMATION
This policy change comes after recent FDA recommendations to develop a new COVID-19 vaccine formula this fall more closely targeting circulating strains.
University public health officials still encourage everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including the bivalent dose and any future recommended doses. Additionally, some units still have their own policies in place that may require vaccinations for health care settings or field placements.
“Pivoting our approach based upon evolving information has been a consistent strategy in maintaining our community’s high level of safety and preparedness,” said Robert Ernst, chief health officer, executive director of University Health Service, and associate vice president for health and wellness in Student Life. “Having students’ immunization histories significantly improves our ability to respond to infectious disease outbreaks.”
COVID-19 levels in the surrounding community are at the lowest they have been since summer 2021, Ernst said. Public health officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases through wastewater surveillance, clinical cases, hospital admissions and other metrics.
Ernst also noted that clinics offering both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be widespread throughout the U-M community this fall.
