Saint Mary’s University puts vaccine mandate in place following FDA approval

Saint Mary’s University will officially require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer vaccine.

The university forecast Monday’s announcement earlier this month when it said the full approval of a COVID-19 vaccine would trigger the requirement across its campuses. All students, faculty and staff will have until Oct. 8 to provide proof of vaccination or file a medical or non-medical exemption.

While the Pfizer vaccine is the first to gain full FDA approval, the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots will also be accepted, Saint Mary’s said.

“We have been informed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that having 85-90% of our community vaccinated will allow us to continue a safe, uninterrupted, and personalized academic experience, and that is our goal,” said Ann Merchlewitz, senior vice president and general counsel.

Meanwhile, masks are required inside all campus buildings and outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible.

Saint Mary’s is among several businesses and organizations that were waiting for full FDA approval before issuing a vaccine mandate, including the University of Minnesota System.

Other private colleges around Minnesota, such as Macalester College, St. John’s University and Hamline University, had issued vaccine mandates prior to FDA approval.