Mount Allison University implements mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations
SACKVILLE, NB — In response to evolving developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Allison University is implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and increasing health and safety measures on campus for the fall term. Students, faculty, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine as soon as possible, and by Oct. 1 at the latest.
“As we have consistently for the past 17 months, we will continue to adapt to what is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to keep our campus and community as safe as possible,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau. “We thank everyone who has already been fully vaccinated and encourage the rest of our community to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
The COVID-19 situation in New Brunswick, across Canada, and worldwide has continued to evolve. More infectious COVID-19 variants have been identified and many areas of the country and the world have entered a fourth wave. While there has been a significant and encouraging uptake in vaccinations, public health experts continue to advise COVID-19 is not yet fully under control. Vaccinations continue to be recommended as an effective way for individuals and communities to minimize the impacts of the virus and to be as protected as possible.
Students, faculty, and staff at Mount Allison will be asked to submit proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals will not be prevented from studying or working at Mount Allison, but will be subject to health and safety regulations that include regular testing provided by the University as well as mask-wearing.
“We want to establish health and safety guidelines that both protect our community and respect the rights of individuals. We believe this approach strikes a balance of both,” says Vice-President, International and Student Affairs Anne Comfort. “We will be supporting all members of the community toward a common goal of having as many people as possible being fully vaccinated, as soon as possible.”
Members of the Mount Allison community are encouraged to get vaccinated in their home communities before coming to campus, if possible. For those who are unable to get fully vaccinated prior to arrival in Sackville, the University is collaborating with the Guardian Pharmacy in Sackville to provide ongoing vaccine clinics to support this important effort.
Please visit mta.ca/campus-updates for full details of vaccination requirements, along with updated health and safety guidelines. Media inquiries can be directed to media@mta.ca.
