Community Update #53 - Update on Vaccine Requirement at York University

Community Update #53 - Update on Vaccine Requirement at York University

In my last update, I shared that York will require all individuals coming to our campuses this fall to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Since then, I am very pleased to learn that the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health has recommended that all post-secondary institutions across the province require proof of vaccination for those coming to campus.

As we work to finalize the details of our strategy, I can confirm that this September the University will require all members of the community to provide proof of full vaccination or an exemption based on a validated medical or human rights ground.

Community members will use the YU Screen tool to submit proof of vaccination or an approved exemption. YU Screen will be ready to accept this documentation on September 7 and all information that is collected here will be subject to strict privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Those who cannot be vaccinated or who are awaiting their first or second dose will be required to adhere to additional health and safety measures, including frequent testing. Between September 7 and October 19 (the date whereby proof of having received a full vaccination series is required), those attending activities on York’s campuses who are not yet fully vaccinated, including those with approved exemptions, will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

We recognize that not every community member will be able to be fully vaccinated by the first day of the Fall Term. Some time will also be needed to process exemption requests for medical or other reasons recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code. I want to assure you that the University will make every effort to support community members to receive their vaccinations in a timely way, and to access testing in the meantime where needed.

We continue to partner with Humber River Hospital to offer a series of vaccine clinics on the Keele Campus in August and September. As well, those who are eligible and who study or work on the Glendon Campus will be able to access walk-in vaccination clinics offered through Sunnybrook Hospital. Community members are also reminded that vaccines are widely available in Canada on a walk-in basis through local public health units and community pharmacies.

As well, anyone who is vaccinated in Ontario can prove that they have been fully vaccinated by uploading the physical or emailed receipt that was provided to them at the time of vaccination from the Ministry of Health. Vaccination receipts can be downloaded through the provincial portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. Those arriving from out of province will need to provide proof of vaccination in that province and anyone arriving to Canada from international destinations can use the proof of vaccination that was required for upload to the ArriveCAN app prior to entry into Canada. York University recognizes both World Health Organization and Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

I recognize that there are still many questions about how this will be rolled out within our community. We will be sharing more specific details and instructions on the new process that will support this requirement before September 7. Thank you for doing your part to ensure a safe return to our campuses this fall.

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor