Meredith College will require students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the College announced on September 16, 2021. The requirement will go into effect at the beginning of the spring 2022 semester in order to provide those who are not yet vaccinated time to become fully vaccinated.

In the announcement, Meredith leadership emphasized that this decision was made based on science and a belief that vaccination is “the most powerful way yet to stop the pandemic and pursue a return to normal.”

The College waited to implement the vaccination requirement until at least one of the vaccines received full approval from the FDA. However, the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines will satisfy Meredith’s vaccination requirement.

“Now that at least one of the vaccines is fully approved, we have more confidence than ever in their efficacy and their contributions to our families’ and colleagues’ and community’s health,” the announcement said.

Meredith College had previously strongly encouraged COVID-19 vaccinations. As of September 16, when the requirement was announced, nearly 80% of employees and students had submitted proof of vaccination.

Individuals who want to request an exemption for religious or physician-documented medical reasons will be able to do so. Responses to these requests will go out prior to the start of second-semester classes.