Mount Allison University says it’s bringing in a mandatory vaccination rule.
In an announcement today, Mount Allison says it will ask students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine by October 1, 2021. Those who are not will still be able to study or work at Mount Allison, but will be subject to regular testing and mask-wearing. The university says, “no Mount Allison employee’s job will be at risk as a result of their vaccination status.”
Students, staff and faculty will be asked to submit proof of vaccination in a secure submission process to be released in mid-September. The university will accept proof of all federally approved COVID-19 vaccines in Canada: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
The university says it is coordinating with the Corner Drug Store pharmacy to ensure availability of Pfizer or Moderna shots for students. The pharmacy is hosting a walk-in Pfizer clinic on Wednesday, August 25, from 10am to 6:30pm.
The Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) says it supports the decision by the university to require vaccinations.
MASU says it helped conduct a non-scientific survey of students to see how many have received one or more doses of eligible COVID-19 vaccines. Of 328 student responses so far, 95.7% are fully vaccinated, says MASU, and the rest have had one dose with plans for a second.
The university is also adjusting its mask rule for the fall term. Masks will now be required in all indoor spaces on campus for all community members, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are not required when working alone, eating, working out at the Fitness Centre, or in residences, unless a gathering is taking place.
The first day of classes is Wednesday, September 8. First year students are expected to arrive on September 3, and returning students on September 6 and 7. International students who are required to self-isolate in Canada arrived on August 13 or 14.
