The State University of New York is ending the emergency mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccination.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced Tuesday the vaccine will no longer be mandated for students beginning with summer classes on any of the college system's 64 campuses. The announcement coincides with the official end of the COVID national emergency, which President Joe Biden signed on Monday.

“The safety of SUNY’s students is our first and foremost priority, and while COVID is no longer an emergency, we will not lose sight of the impact it continues to have on us,” said King. “Across SUNY, we will continue to monitor cases and make adjustments as needed, but even more importantly, we will look to increase the overall health and wellness support we provide our students.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will still be strongly encouraged for students, as well as vaccinations for influenza and mpox. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to stay up to date on their vaccinations.

The SUNY system had required COVID-19 vaccination for in-person classes since August 2021.