U of T to require students in residence to be fully vaccinated with booster this fall

The University of Toronto says it is reinstating vaccination requirements for students and employees living in residences this fall.

According to a memo distributed Thursday, students moving into residences this fall will be required to have a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine and at least one booster dose before moving in.

The university says while it has paused the vaccine requirement in order to come to campus and unvaccinated students are permitted to enrol in classes, it warns “vaccination requirements may be reinstated with little notice, which could result in de-enrolment or ineligibility to work.”

“Maintaining updated information on the vaccination status of our community will help inform future health and safety planning,” reads the memo. “It will also minimize disruption should conditions require vaccine requirements to be reimposed.”

The university adds that while mandatory mask requirements have been paused, it strongly encourages masking in high-density indoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

“The University will continue to monitor public health conditions over the coming weeks as September approaches to adjust our response as needed, and we will update you on any changes.”

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Federal government data shows young adults lag other age groups in getting boosted. About 36 per cent of people between 18 and 29 have received a third dose, compared to the 86 per cent in that age group who have completed the two-dose series.

Ontario has recommended third doses to all residents aged 12 and older. It opened up fourth doses to adults of all ages earlier this month, but the province’s top doctor said young residents who don’t have underlying health conditions can choose to wait until the fall for a second booster, when a vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant may become available.

York University says in its latest update that it recommends students get COVID-19 booster shots as well as the flu vaccine but there is nothing mandating students be fully vaccinated this fall.

Metropolitan Toronto University has not announced any updates to its fall semester since lifting both vaccine and mask mandates earlier this spring but adds it is continuing to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation in the city.

“We will be nimble in responding to changes, and in planning for the future. The university may need to reinstate COVID-19 protocol, such as requirements for vaccinations, masking, and physical distancing should public health indicators change,” it said in a statement posted earlier this month.

Western University says it expects to provide an update its health and safety measures for the fall academic term the week of August 8.

Queen’s University says it will continue to consult with public health experts but there are no changes to its policy since it lifted all masking requirements as of June 1.

Both Ottawa and Carleton universities are maintaining their current policies as well.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report