Washington State University is encouraging all members of the Cougar community to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible.
The university’s new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination includes information about how WSU employees can check their eligibility. Vaccinated employees can be exempted from ongoing testing procedures on the Pullman campus.
The state of Washington’s PhaseFinder tool allows residents to determine whether they are currently eligible to be vaccinated. If eligible, the site directs users to locations where they can receive the vaccine, while those who are not currently eligible can provide contact information and be updated as the state moves through its phased process.
The university also articulated its testing exemption protocol for those who receive two doses of one of the approved vaccines. Faculty, staff and students who have completed the vaccination process and attested ten days after the second dose without COVID-19 symptoms are exempt from any required testing as well as voluntary testing unless requested by a healthcare provider. WSU may require documentation of receipt of both doses of the vaccine.
All faculty, staff and students must continue to attest prior to visiting a campus location regardless of vaccination status. They must also remain physically distant and wear face masks when on WSU property.
While WSU is not currently requiring faculty, staff or students to be vaccinated, the potential for a limited future mandate for some groups is under review. As part of the guidance, the university affirmed that available vaccines have been shown to be safe and highly effective and are key to ending the current pandemic.
Questions about the university’s vaccination guidelines can be sent to Hailey Rupp, emergency operations project manager. For questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, Pullman students can contact Cougar Health Services, while all others should reach out to a healthcare provider.
