BYU is requiring all students, faculty and staff to report vaccination status. Here’s what you need to know

A screen capture of BYU.edu shows that the Utah County university is asking all students, faculty and staff to report their COVID-19 vaccination status immediately. | BYU.edu, screenshot

Data about community vaccination rates will help inform COVID-19 protocol decisions, BYU says

Brigham Young University is requiring all students, faculty and staff to report their vaccination status before the start of fall semester, according to a BYU.edu news release Monday.

“Data about the BYU community vaccination rates will help inform COVID-19 protocol decisions for fall semester, such as mask requirements,” the news release said.

BYU has previously encouraged but not required employees or students to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

The news release addressed several frequently asked questions:

Why is BYU requiring a vaccination status report?

“Utah County has been designated as a high transmission area again due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases. The increasing prevalence of the new COVID-19 delta variant is concerning and BYU takes seriously the physical health and safety of our campus community, including those who are immunocompromised.

“BYU will take a scaled approach to disease prevention that corresponds to vaccination rates among the campus community.”

Are vaccinations required?

“BYU strongly encourages but does not require every employee or student to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to be on campus in Provo this upcoming semester. However, vaccination may be required for certain travel, research, or other programs to be determined in conjunction with applicable regulations and other guidelines.”

What if I choose not to submit a vaccination status report?

“If you haven’t reported your vaccination status by Thursday, August 19, your access to myBYU will be restricted until the report is received.”

If I report that I have not been vaccinated will I still be able to access myBYU? Will BYU impose any other restrictions on me if I report that I am not vaccinated?

“You will still be able to access myBYU if you report that you are not vaccinated. BYU is collecting this information in order to help inform COVID-19 protocol decisions for fall semester, such as mask requirements.”

What about my privacy?

“Personal information submitted in the survey will be kept private and secure. Only authorized BYU personnel with a need to know will have access to this personal information. For more information about BYU’s privacy practices, please visit the BYU Privacy Notice.”

What if my vaccination status changes?

“When your vaccination status changes, please visit welcome-back.byu.edu to update your information.”

Where can I get vaccinated?

“Vaccine appointments are readily available throughout Utah, including at the former Provo High building and the BYU Student Health Center. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.”

In June, BYU-Hawaii announced it will require students to be vaccinated this fall.

In April, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns and operates both schools, recommended that its missionaries safeguard themselves with the vaccination.

President Russell M. Nelson and senior church leaders have called the COVID-19 vaccination a “literal godsend” and encouraged members to become vaccinated. A statement supporting vaccination was also added to the church’s General Handbook.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/3rP2pA8