After evaluating current public health guidance, and in consultation with its own medical and public health experts, The University of New Mexico will no longer require the COVID-19 primary vaccine series for students and employees, effective today. However, UNM Health and Health Sciences programs and clinical areas will continue to maintain its COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

In addition, the University continues to strongly recommend that the entire Lobo community should keep up to date with vaccinations, stay at home if sick, and follow CDC guidelines for all COVID-19 matters.

“The Lobo community has demonstrated incredible strength and resilience as we have adapted to the challenges we have faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes in a campuswide email announcing the decision to lift the requirement. “The health and well-being of our community has always been our highest priority, and I am grateful for the thoughtful conversations with UNM administrative leaders, as well as the questions and feedback received from the greater Lobo community that informed the COVID-19 vaccination information session."

What lifting the requirement means in practice:

  • individuals with a hire date of March 13, 2023, or later are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or apply for an exemption;
  • students enrolling in classes after March 13, 2023, are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or apply for an exemption; and
  • UNM will no longer require students, faculty, and staff to report COVID-19-positive tests through the online portal or upload COVID-19 vaccination records.

In addition, UNM has also retired the Bring Back the Pack website and instead is linking to COVID-19 Updates and Answers from the home page banner. Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and be able to submit your own questions and comments.

UNM implemented its vaccination requirement on Aug. 5, 2021 in response to increasing infections both around the state and the nation in an effort to return to a fully operational campus for the 2021 Fall semester. UNM continued its vaccination requirement and a booster shot requirement prior to the 2022 Spring semester.

For more information, visit Updates and Answers.