University of Tennessee students will have to get their flu shot this fall and also be immunized for COVID-19 if a vaccine becomes available under an emergency rule unanimously approved Friday by the university’s Board of Trustees.

The university went to online classes because of the coronavirus pandemic on March 16, which was extended April 1 through the summer. The University of Tennessee system plans to have students on campuses for the fall semester with this new rule – part of the practices designed to keep everyone healthy as possible.

University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd said this is an emergency rule for now. When the state legislature returns, university officials will be asking to make this rule permanent.Boyd said he expected some pushback.

“But we think this is in the best interest of our students so we’re going to insist on it,” Boyd said.

Immunizations will be required for all students, faculty and staff. Boyd said students should get any vaccines available before arriving on campuses. A vaccine for the seasonal flu may not be available until October, and Boyd said students should get them once available.

Students getting immunizations off campus will be asked to provide proof they were vaccinated.

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