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More universities add vaccine requirements for students, staff

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All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine for fall semester.

Students and employees at both schools have until the end of August to submit proof of vaccination.

Rick Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for the University of Michigan, said the administration has received support from campus groups like the central student government and the faculty senate.

“They’ve all been joining with us and encouraging people to get vaccinated, and, in some cases, have even encouraged a required vaccination," Fitzgerald said.

The rule previously applied only to students living in university housing.

At Michigan State University, president Samuel Stanely Jr. said the school was responding to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Previously, MSU officials said COVID vaccines would be encouraged but not required.