McMaster University to require COVID vaccine for students living in residence
Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for McMaster University students living in residence.
In an July 21 announcement, the university said it plans to require students living in residence buildings on campus to have at least one dose of the vaccine before their move-in date. Two doses of Health Canada-approved vaccines will be required within 14 days of arriving on campus.
Requiring vaccinations will allow us to create a more normal residence experience which is so important to students," housing director Kevin Beatty said in the announcement. We expect that mandatory vaccinations will create even more confidence that residences will be a safe and stable environment for students throughout the academic year."
McMaster previously said it would strongly encourage," but not require, vaccines for students on campus.
A recent student survey found 94 per cent of respondents - and 97 per cent of those admitted to residences - have either received or plan to receive the vaccine before the fall.
This is an outstanding response and requiring vaccinations aligns well with what our students are telling us," said Sean Van Koughnett, McMaster's associate vice-president and dean of students.
The university says it is finalizing discussions with public health" to offer vaccines on campus. Details about vaccine requirements and exceptions for religious and health reasons will be sent directly to residence students over the next few days," the announcement reads.
The decision comes days after the province released new guidance, encouraging universities and colleges to plan for more on-campus instruction and activities. The university says (activity) levels are expected to rise" and physical distancing is no longer required by the province. Indoor masking, however, will continue to be required.
More to come.
Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com