DSU and SUU both encouraging but not yet requiring COVID-19 vaccination

ST. GEORGE — Two state universities in southern Utah, Dixie State University and Southern Utah University, are not currently planning on instituting a vaccine requirement or have not yet made a decision.

After the FDA gave the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination its full approval, the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Utah Valley University announced they would require all of their students to be fully vaccinated beginning spring semester, with some exceptions.

DSU and SUU officials confirmed the two universities were not yet pursuing similar policies.

“At this time, Dixie State University is strongly encouraging, but not mandating, vaccinations for our campus community,” said Stacy Schmidt, assistant director of public relations at DSU. “We are also working closely with local health department and government officials to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation in Southern Utah on a daily basis.”

DSU students, staff, and faculty are not currently required to be vaccinated, although the university strongly encourages it. DSU also offers free vaccination clinics for all students, staff, and faculty.

SUU has also not yet chosen to require vaccination.

“No decision has yet been made,” said David Bishop, director of public relations at SUU. “We are soliciting input from the campus community (faculty, staff and students) prior to making a decision.”

SUU said they will be making a decision in a few weeks, and until then will hold several forums with faculty, staff, and students to discuss the decision.

SUU currently encourages both vaccination and wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but neither are required. SUU also offers vaccination clinics.

Utah has been seeing a steady increase in COVID-19 infections since July when the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 became the dominant strain.

The 7-day average for new infections is 1,273 cases a day, as opposed to an average of 201 per day at the beginning of June.

47.8% of Utah’s population is fully vaccinated, and 56.5% have had their first dose.