UWI Mandates Vaccines for Students on Hall

200K AstraZeneca Vaccines Donated to Jamaica Meanwhile, Jamaica’s stock continues to expand with an additional 200,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine. The donation by the Canadian government arrived on the island Thursday, August 26, adding to the Government's efforts in their vaccination drive. Canada continues to help Jamaica in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. On the heels of donating 48 beds to COVID-19 wards, a further donation of vaccines from the Canadian government has increased the number of doses available in the island. With just over 500,000 jabs administered so far, the Government’s aim to see 700,000 persons vaccinated by the end of September will depend on public participation. Some vaccination sites will remain open during curfew hours and on no movement days.

Come Friday, September 3, students living or opting to live on halls at the University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona campus are expected to at least have their first dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

The latest mandate issued by the university will however exempt students with religious or medical reasons depending on their case. However, President of the UWI Mona Guild of Students Danielle Mullings, says it is crucial students on halls comply where possible. She noted that the university has given a grace period for students to get vaccinated and that the basic requirement is for students to receive their first dose.

Guild President Mullings says she is in full support of the university’s latest move to have all students living on hall vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Mullings says there have been considerations for nursing students doing their clinical activities during this period. Meanwhile, Mullings says the university will be considering religious and medical reasons on a case-by-case basis for those who opt to not be vaccinated.

Students on halls have until Friday, September 3 to get vaccinated or make alternative living arrangements. There are approximately 1200 students currently on halls of residence on the campus.

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