Students, employees and visitors of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are now allowed to forgo face masks and social distancing on campus.

The new mandate from the ICOM COVID-19 Task Force follows the latest guidance from Gov. Brad Little, Central District Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All ICOM students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to obtain the vaccine if they have not already done so. Additionally, anyone wishing to continue to wear face masks are encouraged to do so, and anyone who has not been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is still required to wear a face mask while indoors on campus. 

Students are not required to receive the vaccination, however, several of ICOM’s clinical partners do require proof of immunization to interact with patients in their facilities. Students who choose not to vaccinate may not be able to compete their required clinical experiences which could prevent them from graduating. A student’s choice not to receive the vaccination does not constitute grounds for accommodations, reassignment, or rescheduling of clinical experiences.

Course directors will continue to retain the right to require face masks for all students for close-contact activities at their discretion. 

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last shot in a vaccine series. To find a nearby location where vaccines are available, visit the state’s vaccine locator website.