SUNY announced on Tuesday that it is no longer mandatory for students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend in-person classes.

“Suffolk County Community College and our students welcome the end of the SUNY system-wide vaccine mandate,” said Suffolk County Community College President Edward Bonahue.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. announced that a COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be mandated for students to attend SUNY’s 64 campuses, effective for summer courses. 

“The safety of SUNY’s students is our first and foremost priority, and while COVID is no longer an emergency, we will not lose sight of the impact it continues to have on us,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “Across SUNY we will continue to monitor cases and make adjustments as needed, but even more importantly, we will look to increase the overall health and wellness support we provide our students.”

The majority of SUNY students are New Yorkers, and to date approximately 77.5% of 18–25-year-olds and 79.8% of 26–34-year-olds across the state have completed their primary series vaccination.

“I mean, I am vaccinated but I do not mind if the mandate is lifted,” said Bruce Barron, 20, an accounting major from Rocky Point. “It is their decision at the end of the day and education is important.”

COVID-19 vaccination will still be strongly encouraged for students and faculty, which is consistent with other viruses including influenza and mpox.

“I am a little concerned,” said Susan Willis, 19, a nursing major from Coram. “While the COVID-19 national emergency is for the most part ended, I think that this could set a precedent for future vaccines and make other people less willing to get them.”

This announcement follows the official end of the national public health emergency by President Biden’s administration yesterday.

Editor’s note: Comments from students were added to the story following the initial report.