MSVU students, faculty and staff will need to be fully vaccinated

Mount Saint Vincent University will require students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall.

The school would like to see this happen as soon as possible, but has set a deadline of Oct. 13.

The school plans to host a vaccination clinic this Thursday, August 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

“With a pandemic fourth wave gaining traction across the country at the same time as we seek to safely return to on-campus learning, working, and student life opportunities, a vaccine mandate is an important step,” the university's interim president and vice-chancellor Ramona Lumpkin in a statement.

“The evidence is clear: getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and others, and is our surest way out of this pandemic.”

Lumpkin says anyone who hasn't already done so should start the process before arriving to campus, but if that's not possible, one or both doses can be booked through the province. Those who don't have a Nova Scotia health card can call 1-833-797-7772.

“We have asked Public Health for guidance on whether those who have received vaccinations abroad that are not currently approved by Health Canada can or should be vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines upon arrival in the country,” Lumpkin said. 

“We will provide more information on that matter – and its implications at MSVU – as soon as possible.”

Anyone who chooses not to get vaccinated for medical, religious or cultural reasons will need to get tested twice a week.

Rapid COVID-19 testing will be offered on-campus for all students, faculty and staff, regardless of their vaccine status.

Late last week, Saint Mary's University announced it would require students living in residence or participating in varsity and club sports to be fully vaccinated, along with coaches and staff in the Department of Athletics and Recreation. 

However the school cautioned the protocol could be expanded to other groups in the future.

NSCAD says vaccines are not required “but expected.”

“However, if the second dose rates do not meet the provincial targets and continue to slow, we are prepared to act accordingly,” the school says in a post on its website.

University of Kings College says a recent survey of students planning to live in residence shows “virtually 100 per cent” of them will be fully vaccinated, and a separate survey of faculty, staff and students indicates close to 100 per cent will be fully vaccinated by the time the fall term starts, or soon after.

Dalhousie University is not requiring vaccines, but is encouraging all staff and students to get them if possible.