Fleming College will require proof of vaccination for all students, employees, and visitors this fall.
The college made the announcement of its vaccination policy on Friday (August 13).
To access programs and activities on any of its campuses (Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Cobourg), everyone will be required to have received the first dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by September 7 and a second dose by October 20. A paper or digital receipt showing proof of vaccination will be required to access campus facilities.
“We believe this policy will provide the best possible protection and freedom to everyone at Fleming to pursue their academic, athletic, and personal goals in a safe environment,” states Fleming College president Maureen Adamson in a media release.
“Vaccination is an effective safeguard against future lockdowns and interruptions in learning, as the scientific evidence shows,” she adds. ‘Given the current spread of the virus and its negative impact on all healthcare services, including the availability of non-COVID-19 related health services, we believe this policy is an important contribution to the communities we serve.”
Fleming College will assist students in gaining access to vaccines through on-campus and local clinics. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation. For those without proof of vaccination, regular testing will be required.
Fleming College had previously announced a vaccination mandate for students living in on-campus residence.
At the same time Fleming College announced its vaccination policy, the Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA) also issued a media release calling on Trent University to adopt a similar vaccination policy.
According to the association, 93 per cent of its members agree that all eligible students, staff, faculty, librarians, and archivists should be fully vaccinated fully before coming to campus, acknowledging exemptions and requests for accommodation based on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
“TUFA believes that Trent must continue to exhibit leadership in regard to community health and join with this group of peer institutions,” reads the media release. “TUFA is prepared to work closely with the university to expedite development of such a vaccination policy.”
