Indiana University Health will require all its doctors, nurses and other employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 1.

While Indiana lags behind many other states in the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations, incarcerated Hoosiers are accepting the vaccine at a higher rate than the general population.

This policy change comes after several GOP legislators and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita argued state law does not allow the university to make such a requirement.

A new COVID-19 vaccine registration hotline is intended to help increase vaccinations amongst all Marion County residents.

The Indiana Department of Health reported 67 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 13,203 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 3,500 new cases in the last week -- the fewest reported in a single week since July 2020.

In his advisory opinion, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said that because public universities are "arms of the state" they are included in a new state law banning state and local units from requiring an immunization passport.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued an advisory opinion on the issue Wednesday, prompted by requests from Republican lawmakers who oppose the university policy.

The group of GOP lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Eric Holcomb Tuesday. In it, they say students will drop classes, be ostracized from campus and employees will be fired if IU is allowed to mandate the vaccine.

The University of Notre Dame will require all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the fall semester.

IU officials announced the requirement for its campuses across the state Friday, saying it will allow the university to lift most coronavirus-related restrictions such as face masks and physical distancing.