Santa Monica College Mandating Vaccines for Students, Staff on Campus this Fall

If you are planning to attend classes on campus at Santa Monica College this fall, you need to be vaccinated.

So says the local college as it is gearing up for the fall semester which starts August 30.

In a letter to students, Santa Monica College detailed its mandatory vaccination program. The major requirements include:

Evidence of vaccinations for all students taking on-ground classes beginning in the fall semester;

All employees must report their vaccination status to the College District by August 16, and, if unvaccinated, must be fully vaccinated and report that vaccination status to the district by September 15;

Or provide a process for vaccination exception or deferral in the following  situations – :(a) medical excuse from receiving COVID-19 vaccine due to medical contraindication or precaution; (b) disability; (c) during the period of any pregnancy; or (d) religious objection based on a person's sincerely held religious beliefs, practice or observance.

"Whenever an exception or deferral has been made, regular COVID-19 testing with evidence of negative test results will be required prior to any unvaccinated person accessing District campuses or facilities," said college officials. 

According to website, SMC has several vaccine clinics that are open to students, faculty, staff and their families and the community.