U Of T Is Requiring Students Living In Residence To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine

The University of Toronto says it will require all students living in residence during the 2021-2022 school year to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least their first dose, across all three of its campuses.

The university says students must have their first shot prior to their move-in date. However, anyone unable to receive it before then will be given a two-week grace period with help from the school, depending on the province's vaccine supply.

"This requirement, which is endorsed by our local public health authorities, will enable us to give our students the residence experience that they expect – and that is so important to their growth and development – without compromising on their health and safety," vice-provost Sandy Welsh said in the announcement.

"It's really important that students be able to interact safely with one another and participate in the in-person programming that we know they value so highly," she added.

This comes as other post-secondary schools around Ontario announce their plans for in-person learning in the fall. So far, only one other university in the province has made proof of vaccination mandatory for students moving into campus dorms — students at Western University will be required to have one dose upon moving into their residence.