What this medical officer of health says about mandating COVID-19 vaccines on campus
Western University is facing pressure from the faculty union to make vaccines mandatory
The Middlesex-London Health Unit's associate medical officer of health said he supports mandatory COVID-19 vaccines on campus and in businesses but cautions discussions are needed before that could be made a reality.
Dr. Alex Summer said Thursday at the health unit's bi-weekly media update that mandatory vaccination programs work and do increase vaccine uptake.
"[That] is absolutely critical to a safe return to campuses and to classrooms," Summers said.
"The Middlesex-London Health Unit would support mandatory vaccination protocols in businesses and in post-secondary institutions, acknowledging that there's many other considerations that have to be discussed and determined."
His comments come two days after Western University's faculty association also demanded the school move to impose a vaccine program for students and staff returning in the fall.
The school has said only students living in residence need to be vaccinated but can arrive unvaccinated as long as they get their first shot within 14 days.
Western's president has stated that the school has a strong plan, which includes vaccination clinics.
Universities and Colleges Minister Jill Dunlop announced earlier this week that it would be up to institutions to set their own vaccination policies.
Summers did not say whether he or other public health officials will be meeting with university officials to discuss the possibility of making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory.