Highline College in Des Moines will require all students, staff and faculty to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning fall quarter.

Highline College President John Mosby announced the requirement on July 22, noting that those with medical, religious or philosophical exemptions may submit a waiver.

“We have weighed the list of pros and cons related to this decision and strongly believe that requiring vaccines on our campus prioritizes the physical and mental health, equity, education, and safety of our community at large,” Mosby said in the announcement. “We don’t make this decision lightly. In lieu of the challenges we are faced with during the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to moving our campus toward our new normal.”

Highline’s decision was brought forth after Gov. Jay Inslee’s July 12 proclamation allowing higher education institutions decide whether to require vaccines. The decisions also come with requirements and rules for operations on any campus.

All people who go to Highline’s campus, including outside visitors, are expected to follow current health and safety protocols involving health screening, entry procedures, required physical distancing and face coverings until otherwise notified, according to the college.

To increase the number of vaccinated individuals prior to the start of fall quarter on Sept. 27, Highline College is providing vaccines on campus throughout August.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations are available from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Monday in August at Highline, in partnership with 6M Geriatrics and Public Health — Seattle & King County.

The college is providing a free pair of Highline College 60th anniversary socks to any individual who gets vaccinated. The first 250 students to be vaccinated will also be entered in a scholarship drawing for up to $500 each from the Highline College Foundation.

For more information about on-campus vaccine clinics, visit highline.edu/august-vaccine-clinics/. Highline College is located at 2400 S. 240th St. in Des Moines.