Opinion: Required Vaccinations will Help us Return to Normal

According to USUSA officials, the university’s vaccinations mandates will determine students’ registration for the upcoming spring semester.

“Our university is requiring vaccination for all students beginning spring 2022. As per state law,” said Niyonta Chowdhury-Magana, the Utah State University Student Association senator for the School of Graduate Studies.

Executive Vice President Porter Casdorph said, “If students can’t provide exemption or be vaccinated then it will make it more difficult for them to enter certain classes.”

Exemptions may include religious, medical or personal reasons. Proof of vaccination, plans to get vaccinated and exemption forms should be submitted to the University Health Services website.

USUSA President Lucas Stevens urged students to go along with the mandate, stating, “The university is doing a great job at providing information and messaging, regarding the vaccine and just COVID-related topics. It’s really incredible that the university is providing vaccine clinics on campus.”

“Clinics on the USU Logan campus offer the fully approved Pfizer vaccine, are free, and open to students and employees,” according to Utah State University Today.

Besides improving the health of our community and making the spring semester safer, these required vaccinations are making other mandates, like wearing masks on campus and social distancing, looser.

“I think that the only way to flatten the curve is by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, staying safe and/or doing our part to help each other out,” said Chloe Christopher, the USUSA senator for the College of Education and Human Services. “I think that if you are not vaccinated you should do your part by wearing a mask.”

Student Advocate Vice President Ethan Conlee said, in his experience, vaccinations have proven effective against the virus.

“The longer that people continue to contract the number in large numbers,” he said, “the greater the risk that more and more people will die and won’t be able to go to school in a normal way.”

From the all interviews I conducted, I did not expect the various student body members to agree with the mandate. If things are going to get back to normal, required vaccinations will help the most. And if someone does not want to be vaccinated, there is always the choice to opt out with special circumstances.

Now is the time to think about those at risk, and helping those who need everyone to play their part.

Megan Cowdell is a second-year communications student. She loves going on bike rides, reading mystery novels and watching cheesy movies.