With a significant increase in on-campus learning, services and activity planned for the Fall 2021 term, Niagara College announced today that it will require students, employees and contractors who are learning or working on campus in September to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Students, employees, contractors and those visiting a Niagara College campus for college business will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or have received a first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine by September 7, and a second dose/full vaccination by October 18.
The policy comes after close monitoring of COVID trends and consultation with public health authorities. With the recent rise in cases, including variants of concern, vaccination rates and increased access to vaccines, requiring vaccination for on-campus study and work is a significant step in ensuring the safety of the Niagara College community, and it helps to bring the college closer to an eventual full return to campus.
The vaccine requirement policy is intended to add an additional layer of protection to the comprehensive health and safety measures that are already in place - including screening, physical distancing, mask requirements and enhanced cleaning. These ongoing measures have kept the Niagara College community safe since the onset of the pandemic - including three terms of hybrid programming that have seen almost half of Niagara College students experience some on-campus classes or labs - with no incidents of on-campus transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
A full policy and process will be released by Monday, August 23 and will include an accommodation process for those who are not vaccinated due to medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Niagara College's on-campus businesses, including the Wine Visitor + Education Centre and Greenhouse will continue to operate within existing provincial COVID measures and requirements for businesses.
Niagara College had previously announced a mandatory vaccination requirement for on-campus residences and is also implementing a mandatory vaccine requirement for all student athletes. Details will be available on the Niagara College Athletics & Recreation website.
Studies continue to show that vaccines are safe, and the most effective tool in reducing the risk of serious illness and limiting the spread of COVID-19. Currently, people 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For further information, including updates on eligibility, how to book vaccination appointments, and frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Niagara Region Public Health vaccine page and the government of Ontario's vaccine page.
