Concerns raised related to Western University COVID booster mandate
Posted August 23, 2022 5:08 pm.
Last Updated August 23, 2022 5:09 pm.
Concerns are being raised that Western University’s decision to require at least one COVID-19 booster shot shortly before the fall semester may create barriers for some students.
The London, Ont., university announced Monday that students and staff returning to campus must have at least three COVID-19 shots and wear masks in classrooms.
Ethan Gardner, president of Western University’s student council, says the tight timeline for the policy change is the most common concern he’s heard so far.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Zain Chagla says the purpose of Western’s three-dose policy is unclear. He says requiring three doses may not do much to prevent COVID-19 transmission and warns it may exclude students from marginalized communities where booster dose uptake is lower.
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Marie Dolcetti-Koros, a chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, says mandates create barriers for students who are not vaccinated with Health Canada-approved vaccines or who aren’t vaccinated for personal reasons.
Ontario lifted proof-of-vaccination rules in public spaces months ago.
Some universities are not requiring COVID-19 shots to attend campus this September, but others have yet to spell out their policies for the fall.
The University of Toronto announced earlier in the month that it was reinstating a vaccination requirement for those living in its residences and updating it to mandate at least one booster shot.
