Melbourne University mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone on site

Tuesday 9 November 2021
The University of Melbourne is one of the latest Victorian institutions to get behind COVID-19 vaccinations, announcing it will require everyone on campus to be fully vaccinated against the virus.
Melbourne University mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone on site

From 5 November, anyone who enters a University of Melbourne campus - whether they be students, staff, contractors or visitors - will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell today shared the new policy with members of the university community.

"This decision is based on public health advice and is aligned to the Victorian Government's roadmap, which currently states that onsite learning and work can re-commence for people who are fully vaccinated from 5 November," the notice reads.

It explains the university "takes its position as a leader in public health seriously".

"A fully vaccinated student body and workforce will reduce disease transmission rates, minimise the severity of any breakthrough infections and reduce the likelihood of severe disease requiring admission to hospital."

The chancellor said exemptions will be accommodated for those with valid reasons.
"Vaccination is one of the most important tools that we have to start to move towards a more normal way of life.
"Your decision – and those of your friends, family and colleagues – to get vaccinated will determine our future as a resilient community."
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has since released a statement calling on the university to reverse the decision, asking that it "instead engage with staff and the NTEU about the full suite of safety measures that will be required for a COVID-safe return to campuses for staff".

“Our branch believes the University of Melbourne community must feel physically safe to learn, teach, research and work in support of the mission of the University,” Annette Herrera, NTEU University of Melbourne branch president, said.
"Ensuring the actual and perceived risks associated with returning to work on the University's campuses is something that needs to be done together with employees, not as an edict from the Vice Chancellor," Ms Herrera said.

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