McMaster vaccination rates ‘significantly higher’ than community

McMaster University says about 96 per cent of all students studying on campus are fully vaccinated.

This number doesn't include students who are fully remote.

As of Monday, approximately 99 per cent of faculty and 96 per cent of staff had uploaded proof of vaccination to the university's online reporting tool.

Our students, faculty and staff have taken very seriously the need to be fully vaccinated with vaccination rates at the university significantly higher than in the community," Sean Van Koughnett, McMaster University associate vice-president and dean of students, said in a statement.

The deadline to disclose vaccination status was Oct. 17.

We still expect to receive additional uploads and cannot assume that those who have not done so are unvaccinated," spokesperson Michelle Donovan said in an email.

Eligible students who have not provided proof of vaccination can complete fall courses remotely, but are not allowed to come to campus for any activities," including the library and fitness centre, she said.

At Mohawk College, 12,483 people - which includes students, staff and visitors - have registered their vaccination status.

Of those, 90 per cent are fully vaccinated. Five per cent are partially vaccinated - including some who have had a second dose, but have not reached the 14-day period for full immunity - and five per cent have requested exemptions.

Mohawk does have vaccination information, regardless of status, for 100 per cent of people entering its buildings," said spokesperson Bill Steinburg in an email.

Students who don't comply with the policy may be unable to complete their courses," he said. Steinburg said a very small number" of students - less than five - have been deregistered for the fall semester as a result.

As of Oct. 7, about 95 per cent of students and 99.5 per cent of faculty and staff at Redeemer University were in compliance with the institution's vaccine policy, which required anyone attending campus to disclose their vaccination status by Sept. 13.

About 85 per cent of students at the Ancaster Christian university are studying in person this fall.

In an email to The Spectator, spokesperson Shannon McBride said the university reports vaccination rates to the province, but will not be disclosing that information publicly." The university said earlier this month that the Redeemer community generally follows vaccination trends seen across Ontario."

McBride said the university is working with individuals one on one" to achieve 100 per cent compliance. Penalties for noncompliance include loss of on-campus privileges and disciplinary suspension."

As of Oct. 7, no Redeemer students had been deregistered.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com