University of Illinois System Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

• Mask mandates may change at each U of I system university.
• The system will monitor COVID-19 breakouts through a wastewater monitoring system.

The University of Illinois system will enter 2023 without COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

The three-university system last week lifted its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students and employees. It also dropped testing requirements that had been in place for unvaccinated individuals.

It had previously required the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations for its nearly 95,000 students but had not required booster shots.

The edict does not apply to the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and its clinics, which have separate regulations.

In the announcement, President Tim Killeen still recommended students and employees stay up to date with the most recent COVID-19 vaccine or booster available. He also said that the system will soon begin using a new wastewater surveillance system to monitor early signs of COVID-19 outbreaks on its campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield.

"Thank you all for your continued diligence," Killeen said. "Through your efforts, the U of I System has set a high standard for safety during the pandemic and served as a model for the nation. I am confident that with your help we will continue our vigilance against the COVID-19 virus."