WSU claims staff at 88% vaccinated

PULLMAN - To meet state mandates, 88% of 10,000 Washington State University (WSU) employees reported as vaccinated against COVID.

"Our vaccination rates are high, and we know it's the path that gets us through this pandemic," said WSU President Kirk Schulz. "With a critical state deadline approaching for our employees, we've sought to work through pockets of hesitancy and uncertainty with compassion and understanding."

Gov. Jay Inslee mandated all state employees are to be vaccinated by Oct. 18. WSU students were to be vaccinated by Sept. 10. Student vaccinations are at 95%.

"For the Pullman campus, the number of COVID-19 cases involving the WSU community has declined dramatically compared to last fall," stated WSU officials. "For the week ending Oct. 6, WSU Pullman had just eight active cases among students, faculty, and staff."

WSU staff received 1,250 requests for medical and religious exemptions. They have approved 800 so far.