In a simultaneous announcement, California State University (CSU) joined the University of California (UC) in requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone accessing campus facilities during the Fall 2021 semester.

The vaccination requirement will allow exemptions for students and faculty based on their medical or religious reasons. The policy and implementation details are still under development but will be announced once they are available, according to a CSU press release.

“Consistent with previous CSU announcements related to the university’s response to the pandemic, we are sharing this information now to give students, their families and our employees ample time to make plans to be vaccinated prior to the start of the fall term,” said CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro in a press release.

In a campus-wide email, President William A. Covino wrote that vaccines are currently available under an emergency authorization. However, once the “U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approves one or more COVID-19 vaccines and the fully approved vaccines are available,” the vaccination requirement will be implemented.

“In the meantime, there’s no need to delay your COVID-19 vaccination. Being fully vaccinated will protect you from infection, and allow you to re-engage with Cal State LA and be ready to participate in the vibrant campus life, in-person instruction, and student services that will be back in fall,” wrote Covino in the email.

The Cal State LA Vaccination Center is still open and vaccinating those over 16 years old. New appointments for the upcoming week can be made through the city of Los Angeles’ vaccination website. We Are Healthy L.A. website also provides more information on vaccination site locations.