US Olympians will have to be vaccinated to compete in the 2022 Winter Games

• The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced all athletes must be vaccinated for Beijing 2022.
• Starting November 1, unvaccinated Team USA athletes won't have access to training facilities or events.
• In December, the rule will also extend to Olympic hopefuls and delegation members.
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US athletes who are trying to make the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to an announcement from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) on Tuesday.

The vaccine requirement will go into effect on November 1 and requires all athletes and employees to be fully vaccinated to access team training facilities or events hosted by the USOPC.

Any unvaccinated competitors or staff must have a religious or medical exemption to participate, the organization said.

Beginning December 1, the mandate extends to "all Team USA delegation members or hopefuls for future Games."

"The health and well-being of our Olympic and Paralympic community continues to be a top priority," USOPC said in the statement. "This step will increase our ability to create a safe and productive environment for Team USA athletes and staff, and allow us to restore consistency in planning, preparation, and optimal service to athletes."