Liaison College Hamilton’s Vaccination Policy Statement

On August 31, 2021, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities released the Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021. Included in this framework were requirements for postsecondary institutions to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy in place by September 7, 2021, including requirements for providing proof of vaccination, exemptions, testing and an education program.

Beginning September 7, 2021, all employees, official students, contractors, and volunteers attending Liaison College Hamilton campus will be required to confirm that they have been fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved vaccine before entering campus.

Our top priority is your health and safety. The measures described in this policy statement provide protection in addition to the measures already implemented by the college.  

Please note that masks are still mandatory on-campus, in addition to any and all pre-screening.

Liaison College Hamilton reserves the right to update this policy statement as changes in public heath recommendations, regulations and laws occur.

Proof of Vaccination

Those who are not fully vaccinated by September 7, 2021 and those who have received an exemption for medical reasons will be required to do regular rapid antigen testing. Individuals who receive an exemption for anything other than medical reasons will be required to complete an education program and do regular rapid antigen testing.

“Fully vaccinated” means having received the dosage of one or more vaccines plus 14 days that provides full-protection in accordance with Ontario public health or World Health Organization guidance.

Exemptions

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021 allows for limited exemptions to the vaccination requirements.

Medical Exemptions

Individuals without proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 can provide written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class that sets out:

• a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
• the effective time-period for the medical reason.

Individuals with a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated and who have provided proof of a medical reason, are allowed on campus but are required to submit to regular antigen point of care testing for COVID-19, either through the college or external service provider, and to provide verification of the negative test result once every seven days. The costs of external tests will not be covered by the college. If you choose to use an external testing service, you must bring the results to the college Rapid Antigen Testing Clinic for verification and tracking. Please note, test results other than those mentioned will not be accepted.

Non-Medical Exemptions

As contemplated by the Province of Ontario in its announcement on August 17, 2021 and confirmed in the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework on August 31, 2021, individuals who request an exemption for non-medical reasons will be required to complete an education program and complete regular rapid antigen testing once every seven days. The costs of external tests will not be covered by the college. If you choose to use an external testing service, you must bring the results to the college Rapid Antigen Testing Clinic for verification and tracking. Please note, test results other than those mentioned will not be accepted.

How to complete the mandatory education component for non-medical exemptions

As per provincial guidelines, individuals who receive a non-medical exemption will be required to complete a mandatory education program along with the Rapid Antigen Testing. You do not need to complete the education program prior to September 7, 2021. Details about the education program will be communicated to participants directly.

Rapid Antigen Testing

Any individual who is not confirmed as fully vaccinated must complete Rapid Antigen Testing once every seven days. This would include those who are partially vaccinated or have registered and/or been accepted for an exemption.

The costs of external tests will not be covered by the college. If you choose to use an external testing service, you must bring the results to the college Rapid Antigen Testing Clinic for verification and tracking. Please note, test results other than those mentioned will not be accepted.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, do not come to campus and do not attempt to access a Rapid Antigen Testing clinic. Instead, please book an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test at a testing centre in your community.  For information on testing centre locations in Hamilton, visit: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/testing-centres.

Liaison College Hamilton will continue to review the rapid antigen testing process following federal and provincial guidelines.

Collection, Documentation and Reporting

The information you provide will be verified by a qualified member of the college’s Health and Wellness team. Your personal information is secure and will be handled in accordance with privacy regulations. No personal medical information will be kept on file, and all medical records will be permanently deleted once your status has been confirmed.

Liaison College Hamilton is required to collect, maintain, and disclose the statistical (non-identifiable) information required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities on a monthly basis.