The California State University system will require all of its student population and faculty members to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination by February 28, 2022.
The fourth largest school system in the nation announced their decision on Wednesday, as the concern over the Omicron variant continue to rise amongst federal health officials in the state of California.
The Cal State University system, which includes 23 college campuses state-wide, has previously made the same decision before the 2021 Fall semester went underway.
This decision is based on the science presented by federal health officials, who expect a surge in case numbers tied to the Omicron variant, due to Friday and Saturday's Christmas gatherings and next weekend's New Year's holiday. CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro says getting booster shots is the best bet to prevent case numbers from becoming staggering in the future for CSU campuses.
"Vaccination, including a booster when eligible, remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease," said the Cal State University Chancellor.
With 477,000 students and up to 56,000 members of faculty within the system, the CSU says campuses may independently establish an earlier compliance date for students and faculty, on the basis of their local circumstances regarding the variant.
San Diego State University also stated that current students, faculty and staff will also be required to upload their proof of booster shot on their SDSU account to meet this pandemic-related mandate.
"All students, faculty and staff eligible for the COVID-19 booster will be required to have their booster on file in HealthTheConnect by Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 to be considered fully vaccinate," said SDSU in a statement.
This announcement comes shortly after the University of California school system confirmed that its student population, staff and faculty members will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by early 2022.
