Duke University officials say the school will require all new and returning students to present proof of vaccination before they can enroll for the fall semester.
DURHAM, NC – Duke University will require all new and returning students to provide proof of vaccination to student health officials before they can enroll for the fall semester, the school president said Friday.
A statement from Duke President Vincent Price says the policy will cover all undergraduate students, graduates and professionals in all degree programs who intend to be on the Duke campus for any period of time beginning in the fall semester.
Price says the documented medical and religious exemptions will be adapted.
The statement said that students and employees who have not yet received vaccination from Duke are urged to set up a meeting as soon as possible.
The school cannot guarantee that the supply of vaccines will continue at the same pace and said that those who lose the opportunity to be vaccinated will have to get a vaccination from another health care provider or a public health agency and provide a confirmation of student health officials.
Other universities, including Brown, Cornell, Notre Dame, Northeastern and Rutgers, have announced plans for similar vaccination requirements.
In March, Duke University adopted a residency order for all undergraduate students, following an increase in COVID-19 cases, which officials largely blamed on students attending fraternity events. In one week, more than 180 students were isolated after a positive test, and another 200 students were quarantined as a result of following contacts.