STORRS, Conn. (WTNH) — University of Connecticut students are required to have a COVID-19 vaccine leading up to the Fall 2021 semester.

This decision was unanimously voted on by the UConn Board of Trustees Friday afternoon.

Students who are not vaccinated prior to August will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine from the UConn Student Health and Wellness Center.

61% of the residents at the Storrs campus are already vaccinated, the university says.

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, UConn Interim President and CEO of UConn Health said of the decision, “We’re all about, as you know, a world-class education, fantastic student experience, and having fun while you do that. But, our first focus is always safety. Your safety and your well-being. And that’s why we need all the students vaccinated when they return in the fall.”

The policy does provide opportunities for students to request exemptions for medical or other reasons.