EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Westminster College to require vaccine for students, employees

Aug 5, 2021, 2:49 PM | Updated: 3:29 pm
A female student at Westminster College has filed a Title IX lawsuit against the college and women'...
FILE: Westminster College in Salt Lake City is pictured on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Westminster College announced Thursday it will require all of its employees and registered students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before Oct. 15, 2021. 

Westminster announces mask and vaccine requirement

In a Facebook post, Westminster officials also said it will require masks in shared, indoor spaces on campus, citing increased COVID-19 cases. 

“We will continue to monitor data and recommendations and make changes accordingly,” the school said. 

According to the Facebook post, Westminster will ask “Faculty, adjunct faculty, full- and part-time staff, and all students” to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine status by mid-October. The school sent out an email with a form for students and employees to declare their vaccination status. 

So far, no other Utah college or university has issued a vaccine requirement. Likewise, Westminster is the first to make its plans for a mask requirement known ahead of the coming fall semester. 

Read more: 


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
  • Obtain a flu shot.
  • Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

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Westminster College to require vaccine for students, employees