Maine Community College System announces updated vaccine protocol for students

Vaccines required, boosters strongly encouraged, and masking decided by college presidents

AUGUSTA, ME – Starting immediately, the Maine Community College System (MCCS) will require COVID vaccinations for all on-campus students, and strongly encourage students to stay up-to-date on boosters.

The vaccination protocol does not apply to students taking classes online and will not be entering campus buildings for any purpose.

In 2021-22, MCCS required boosters, but shifted to a “strong recommendation” based on input from medical professionals on the latest COVID-19 safety guidance.

The updated student vaccination protocol was approved Wednesday by the MCCS Board of Trustees at their meeting held at Kennebec Valley Community College.

Masking decisions will remain a local decision, with each of the seven college presidents setting their own mask protocol in response to local conditions and considerations.

“These protocols come at the end of a thorough and ongoing process that included medical professionals, data from state and federal health agencies, and dialogue with our community members,” said MCCS President David Daigler. “As ever, we are committed to adopting protocols that keep our community as safe as possible, and we will continue to regularly review both the protocols and the changing COVID landscape.”

This protocol will remain in effect until June 30, 2023.

Details on current WCCC specific COVID protocols, such as masking and daily health screening requirements, can be found at  https://wccc.me.edu/covid-19/