Brigham Young University–Hawaii will add the COVID-19 vaccination to its student health clearance requirements beginning Fall 2021 Semester. This requirement applies to all students and follows current university policies governing student immunizations, including a process by which exemptions for medical or religious reasons may be requested.
Students should, whenever possible, receive the COVID-19 vaccine before coming to campus. BYU–Hawaii will facilitate vaccination for students who are unable to be immunized before arriving on campus.
“The decision to add this vaccination requirement was reached after careful consideration of available data about COVID-19 vaccination safety and efficacy and consultation with experts in medicine, public health, and epidemiology,” said BYU–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III. “This action promotes the safety of our students and our community. It also supports our efforts to provide students who choose to pursue their education at BYU–Hawaii with a quality on-campus experience and minimizes disruption from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has highlighted the Church’s long-standing support for vaccinations in recent statements, announcements, and policies. The addition of COVID-19 to the immunization requirements is supported by the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees.
For more information, please view the COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.