Another Ontario University Just Announced Vaccines Will Be Mandatory To Come To Campus

The University of Ottawa has just announced they will be requiring almost everyone coming to campus to have their vaccinations for the upcoming school year.

On August 10, uOttawa announced COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for students, staff, faculty, and even visitors coming on to campus when the fall semester starts up this year on September 7. The only exceptions will be given to those who can't be vaccinated on medical grounds or any other grounds recognized by the province's human rights code.

"The risks posed by the pandemic are clear, and the path to staying safe, ever clearer," Jacques Frémont, president, and vice-chancellor at the University of Ottawa said in the announcement. "This decision is based on both common sense and good science, and on the advice of public health authorities. We have full confidence that people in our university community will respect this decision as we work together to protect the health and safety of our community."

Anyone who has to stay unvaxxed and needs to come to campus will have to follow certain health protocols like frequent testing and masking. Other current public health measures like physical distancing and wearing a mask will still be in place, no matter what your vaccination status is.

Right now, uOttawa says it is offering vaccines on campus at their Minto Sports Complex on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other post-secondary schools throughout the province have already announced their plans for this school year. Seneca College announced a similar policy for this coming semester, making COVID-19 vaccines a requirement to come onto campus.

Meanwhile, UofT won't be requiring vaccines to come to campus, but will be mandating them for those living at res or anyone participating in a high-risk activity like varsity sports.

Colleges Ontario and the Council of Ontario Universities put out an open letter to the provincial government on August 6, which asked for an Ontario-wide policy that would require COVID-19 vaccines of "postsecondary students, staff and faculty, to ensure optimal public health protection for all."

Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on the vaccine and can answer any questions you may have. Click here for more information.