According to the latest official statistics, as of this Tuesday, 163 million people in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated, accounting for 49.2% of the total population.
Currently, 69.1% of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 60.1% are fully vaccinated.
Since the beginning of 2021, the pace of vaccination in the U.S. has slowed somewhat. To prevent a resurgence of the virus due to variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 27th reissued a recommendation that even fully vaccinated individuals should wear masks in indoor public settings.
The updated CDC guidance is also intended to ensure the safe reopening of schools and workplaces in September.
U.S. colleges and universities are actively responding to government measures and making new arrangements and plans for a full return to in-person instruction in fall 2021.
Fall Entry Health Policies
As early as late March and early April this year, some U.S. universities began recommending or even requiring students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus.
Rutgers University
Rutgers was among the first to mandate vaccination, issuing a statement at the end of March requiring students to complete the two-dose vaccination series (fully vaccinated) at least 14 days before the start of the semester and upload proof of immunization.
Cornell University
Cornell plans to resume in-person classes in the fall and, in early April, required students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the semester and upload proof. The university also indicated it is willing to assist international students in getting vaccinated after they arrive in the U.S.
Brown University
Brown announced in early April that vaccination would be mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff, with proof of vaccination to be uploaded by July 1.
University of California System
The UC system encouraged students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated as early as April. In mid-July, the UC system issued its final requirement: all students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated before returning to campus this fall.
Recently, many more universities have announced updated health requirements for students returning in the fall.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve announced on the 15th of this month that starting from the 23rd, all faculty, staff, and students must submit proof of vaccination or notify the university to schedule a vaccination appointment or apply for an exemption.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology, on the 21st of this month, also mandated that all students planning to return to campus in the fall be fully vaccinated.
California State University
On July 27, California State University (CSU) announced that all students, faculty, and staff within the system must be vaccinated before returning to campus this fall.
According to statistics, more than 600 U.S. colleges and universities have now set clear vaccination requirements for students, faculty, and staff returning this fall.
Whether in blue states or red states, colleges and universities are maintaining a highly consistent stance on pandemic prevention policies.
For students whose schools have not yet announced vaccination requirements, it is still recommended to arrange vaccination as soon as possible and stay tuned for official school announcements.
*Note: Institutions that mandate vaccination typically require proof of vaccination to be uploaded during the summer.
The deadlines published on school websites usually apply to domestic students; international students should remember to upload their proof as early as possible. Those unable to upload in time should contact the school immediately and explain the situation; the school will generally provide specific solutions.
Specific COVID-19 Vaccination Issues
Currently, China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines have received World Health Organization approval, and many U.S. universities also accept proof of vaccination with Chinese vaccines.
Some U.S. universities that accept Sinopharm/Sinovac vaccines include:
— Harvard University
— Columbia University
— Yale University
— New York University
— UC System
— Dartmouth College
— University of Rochester
— Lafayette College
Students are advised to check the specific requirements on their school's website before getting vaccinated. If eligible, you can get vaccinated before departure, reducing the risk of infection during travel.
At the same time, a special reminder for students vaccinated in China: try not to mix vaccine types, to avoid the possibility that the school will not recognize them and require re-vaccination in the U.S.
In addition, U.S.-authorized COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) are effective and safe. If conditions permit, students can also choose to get vaccinated in the U.S. before returning to school.
According to CDC data, "vaccine breakthrough cases" are relatively rare among vaccinated individuals. Moreover, the hospitalization and death rates among fully vaccinated individuals infected with COVID-19 are much lower than among the unvaccinated.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective prevention measure in epidemic control. Getting vaccinated protects yourself and shows responsibility to your family and society.
Students who wish to get vaccinated in the U.S. can visit the CDC vaccine website to find nearby vaccination sites and schedule an appointment.
Some sites support walk-ins; you only need to bring your ID.
URL: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/
The global pandemic situation remains severe, and international students must not let their guard down. We strongly recommend that everyone get vaccinated as soon as possible and upload proof of immunization in time to avoid delays in returning to school.
Finally, we wish everyone a smooth return to campus this fall and an enjoyable learning experience!
