Connecticut State Colleges and Universities is requiring all returning students to have COVID-19 vaccinations starting this fall.

The Board of Regents approved the requirement Thursday afternoon, affecting more than 60,000 students. It includes five public colleges and all 12 of the state's community colleges.

Professors say schools need "herd immunity" to avoid dangerous outbreaks.

"Young people in the age range of most of our students have lower rates of vaccination than other segments of the population," says CCSU professor Dr. Julia Blau.

Dr. Jess Kraybill, who caught COVID-19 teaching at Westconn in Danbury, says she's still suffering from "long-haul" symptoms 16 months later.

"I had to get a special chair to use in the shower because I was too weak to be able to stand up for more than 20 seconds or so," says Kraybill.

Students can request waivers even for non-medical reasons, but they might have to test and quarantine. The details are still up in the air.

"There are students who have genuine concerns about what the vaccine requirement will mean for them upon returning to school," says Audrey Nielsen, a Westconn student.

UConn will also require COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Most private schools across the state, including Yale, Quinnipiac, Wesleyan and the University of New Haven will also be requiring vaccinations.

Fairfield and Sacred Heart are not requiring them, but they're strongly recommending it.

"I'm also at a much greater risk of dying should I get COVID," says Kraybill.

Kraybill says she's relieved to go back to a fully vaccinated classroom.

"I love my job, and I don't want to have to die because of it," she says.

CSCU employees are not mandated to be vaccinated, as of now. Their unions must agree to the decision first.