If students at Western University want to live in residence this fall, they're going to have to get at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The university announced Thursday that it will require at least partial vaccination for any student at Western or its three affiliated university colleges before that student can live in on-campus residences.
"Students living in residence will be asked to get vaccinated before their arrival – and those who can’t access the shot will have 14 days following their move-in date to get vaccinated on campus," the university said in a statement. "Those who for medical or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code cannot be vaccinated may request an accommodation. Students planning to live in residence will receive more details in the coming days."
According to Western, the Middlesex London Health Unit has endorsed the plan.
The university is urging students and other members of the campus community to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It plans to have an on-campus vaccination clinic set up later in the summer so that students, staff, and faculty who have not already been vaccinated can do so.
“The health of our community is a shared responsibility,” said Western University President Alan Shepard. “We’re asking students to play an important role in keeping themselves, their friends and classmates, and our community safe and healthy.”
The university is planning for a full return to in-person classes this fall. In the meantime, it says it will continue to require adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as mask wearing and physical distancing.