Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says university students will receive “advance warning” if they need Covid vaccines before moving to halls of residence.
Although decisions are not taken until September, the MP is keen to encourage vaccine take up among young people now.
Over 70% of the adult population have now received both doses of vaccine, and Mr Raab wants to “close that margin”. Meanwhile 88% have currently had one vaccination so far.
Current government plans in England are for the requirement of two jabs before gaining entry to nightclubs and crowded venues.
As yet there are no full details of proposed plans, but the rule will come into force at the end of September. Proof of vaccination will come via an NHS Covid Pass obtained either digitally or as a letter.
Vaccine passes
When asked whether the government was in favour of making the vaccine pass compulsory in further settings, Mr Raab says it is key for crowded places opening up. “Whether it’s going to a football game or pop concert, we want to make sure people can do that,” he adds.
Responding to questions about whether there were plans for students in university halls to require vaccines, Mr Raab says there is still some time before the decision needs making in September. Throughout the pandemic decisions are based on advice and up to date evidence. But he is mindful in making sure that university students have advance warning.
Elsewhere, vaccinations surged in France after introduction of a health pass for many activities.
Mr Raab describes it as “a little bit of coaxing and cajoling”. We are likely to see an increase of Covid cases over September as a result of eased restrictions. When it gets nearer the time, we can see what is happening. Then we will know how we can try to “control that with backstop safeguard measures”.
Vaccines are now available for people within three months of their 18th birthday, those at an age soon attending university. Children aged between 12 and 17 who have compromised immune systems, or live with clinically vulnerable people, are now also eligible for a jab.
‘Appalling’
Both Downing Street and education minister Vicky Ford have not ruled out the idea of making vaccines compulsory for university students to attend lectures or live in halls of residence. A spokesman for No 10 says “we are still looking at the scope for vaccination certifications”.
It is unclear whether rules would apply to the whole of the UK or just England. The governments of each nation are in charge of their own coronavirus regulations.
The idea faces criticism from the trade union for academic staff such as lecturers. They say making vaccinations compulsory is “wrong” and “hugely discriminatory”. It puts up barriers to people accessing education, and is unfair to international students or those unable to get vaccines. They also believe students should be prioritised to ensure as many as possible are vaccinated before the start of term.
The National Union of Students calls the idea “appalling”, and says the education sector received “no consultation whatsoever”.
Meanwhile, both Labour and leading universities call for vaccination centres on campuses so students have the opportunity of jabs before winter. A group of top universities in the UK have also offered their own spaces and facilities for use as pop-up centres.
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