FAQ – Mandatory Vaccination Policy

Yes. Driven by new public health recommendations and the growing impact of COVID-19 variants of concern, Algonquin College has decided to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for the Fall 2021 Term-onwards. You can view the full policy here.

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

In making this change, Algonquin College joins a number of post-secondary institutions across Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and abroad.

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth – as well as AC’s Corporate Training location at 700 Sussex Dr. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

Our vaccination requirement will only impact those who are required to attend in-person academic and support activities or College events. If you are studying remotely and not attending one of our campuses, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination.

Please note these important dates:

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• December 27: For those requiring access to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, this is the last date you can receive your second shot, meet the 14-day waiting period, and submit your proof of full vaccination. (If you anticipate returning to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, please upload your vaccination status in advance.)
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

No. Our vaccination requirement will only impact those who are required to attend in-person academic and support activities or College events.

The College’s policy took effect on September 7, 2021.

As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).

• December 27: For those requiring access to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, this is the last date you can receive your second shot, meet the 14-day waiting period, and submit your proof of full vaccination. (If you anticipate returning to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, please upload your vaccination status in advance.)
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand)

As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).

• December 27: For those requiring access to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, this is the last date you can receive your second shot, meet the 14-day waiting period, and submit your proof of full vaccination. (If you anticipate returning to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, please upload your vaccination status in advance.)
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

In order to be fully vaccinated you must complete the full dose regimen for any accepted vaccine and wait 14 days following the last dose. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is an example of a single dose vaccine that is acceptable.

You can find local vaccination information at the websites for Ottawa Public Health, the Renfrew County District Health Unit or the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.  You can watch for updates on future openings at the Algonquin College’s Vaccination Clinic on the Ottawa Campus here. If you reside in Québec, you can find vaccination information here. 

In addition, please monitor Algonquin College communication channels for details on potential pop-up clinics at our Ottawa Campus in September.

Yes.

The College community will use the AC Mobile Safety App to submit proof of vaccination. Please follow this link to the user guide.

For those accessing campus please be reminded that due to changes from the provincial government, effective January 4, 2022, the College will  be requiring the use of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code where proof of vaccination is required.

The use of the enhanced proof of vaccine certificates will apply only to individuals that attend Algonquin College campuses that are not using the AC Vaccine Passport. The AC Vaccine Passport will still be accepted to gain access to campuses. Vaccine receipts without the QR code will not be permitted to be used for entry.

Also, as a reminder, self-screening is still required at all designated entrances. Please feel free to communicate these instructions with any visitors, guests and contractors that do not use the AC Vaccine Passport. All individuals must show identification along with their AC Vaccine Passport or enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code.  Employee and student cards are also acceptable forms of identification. The QR code with photo ID can be presented at a designated College entry  point either digitally or by printing a paper copy. The QR code will be scanned using the Verify Ontario app. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code using this link https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/ . If you have any questions please email laviolm@algonquincollege.com

The College will consider exemptions to the vaccination requirement in appropriate and limited circumstances, where there is a duty to accommodate based on protected grounds under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Please keep in mind that in accordance with the applicable law and guidance from public health officials and regulatory bodies, exemptions from the requirement for full vaccination against COVID-19 are limited.

We will consider creed based exemption requests, however, on September 22, the Ontario Human Rights Commission issued a policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccine certificates, indicating that personal preferences and singular beliefs against vaccination do not amount to a creed for the purposes of the Human Rights Code and do not create a right to accommodation. In addition, the Commission states that even if a duty to accommodate is triggered, it would not necessarily require an exemption from vaccine mandates due to pressing health and safety considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has been clear that medical exemptions are very rare, stating, “Generally speaking, there are very few acceptable medical exemptions to the COVID -19 vaccination (e.g., an allergist/immunologist confirmed severe allergy or anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of its components that cannot be mitigated; a diagnosed episode of myocarditis/pericarditis after receipt of an mRNA vaccine).” Please note that approved medical exemptions may be time-limited.

Employee members who wish to apply for an exemption must have an active employment contract for the period in which the exemption request applies.  Please note the type and nature of the exemption request will determine the time required to review the submission. In addition, individuals that are applying for an exemption who are not fully vaccinated are not able to access campus during the exemption review process.

Please use the Algonquin College Mobile Safety app to register your information to be considered for exemption from the College HS 16 Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Addendum.

Students will be contacted by a Student Support Services representative to gather the necessary information to support your attestation.

Employees will be contacted by a Human Resources representative to gather the necessary information to support your attestation.

Allow 3 calendar days for your submission to be reviewed (please be aware that during the 2021 December holiday closure, there may be delays). 

Please note: Only those fully vaccinated or in receipt of an approved exemption are permitted to access campus.

Please use the Algonquin College Mobile Safety app to register your vaccine status.

Students will be contacted by a Student Support Services representative to discuss your choice.

Employees will be contacted by a Human Resources representative to discuss your choice.

Please refer to the College HS 16 Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Addendum. Please be mindful of the deadline stated in the policy to become fully vaccinated (October 30 2021). After October 30, 2021 you will not be permitted access to College campuses unless you are fully vaccinated (the required doses of an approved regimen and a 14 day wait period).

The College strongly recommends that you pursue full vaccination for COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated demonstrates your personal commitment to helping to ensure a safe College community for all employees and students and is the most certain means by which you can reduce the seriousness of health effects from a COVID-19 (or related variant) infection. Being fully vaccinated also helps to assure that your campus experience will not be disrupted, as a result of not being fully vaccinated.

If you have received approval for a bona fide exemption, the following requirements apply:

1. If you are regularly attending campus (multiple times per week), you must present proof of two negative rapid antigen tests from two different days during the past seven (7) days any time you are required to access a College campus.
2. Proof of a negative PCR test (within the past 48 hours) will also be accepted to gain access to the campus for single visits, as an alternative to rapid antigen testing or obtaining an AC vaccine passport.

If you are attending the Ottawa Campus, you can obtain rapid antigen tests at pharmacies that offer these testing services. Health Services will also be providing testing services in the near future that you can access by following the link below. In addition, Health Services at the Ottawa Campus is accepting appointments for vaccinations.

If you are attending Perth or Pembroke Campuses or any other College operations that are subject to the policy, you can obtain rapid antigen tests at pharmacies that offer these testing services.

https://www.algonquincollege.com/safety-security-services/home/occupational-health-and-safety/covid-19-resources-training/covid-19-vaccination-resources/

Please visit under International FAQ page. Under the Health and Safety tab there is an FAQ area covering vaccine-related information for our international students.

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

Those who tested positive for COVID-19, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, during the past 90 days are not recommended for rapid antigen testing as a temporary alternative to showing proof of vaccination. In these cases, in order to gain access to campus, persons will be required to show both a positive PCR test for COVID-19 dated in the last 90 days as well as documentation from a public health unit that indicates they have completed self-isolation requirements and are cleared. 

Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).

Where to get rapid antigen tests at Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ontario. https://covid-19.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/testing/antigen-screening?gclid=CjwKCAjwvuGJBhB1EiwACU1AiaHXLggAafWH1uZ31upeQ8nuW88ov5jL731nFuVB_K-o6YzYkuRiYhoCcMcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Please also see the Ottawa Public Health website for lists of Pharmacies or google maps search pharmacies in your area. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx?_mid_=32064

The Ontario Ministry of Health has a list of pop-up rapid antigen tests for the holiday season. https://www.ontario.ca/page/pop-up-holiday-schedule-rapid-antigen-tests

The tests are being offered at no cost to College Community Members who are required to access campus AND have received approval for a bona fide exemption. The test being offered is the Panbio Rapid Antigen Test Nasopharyngeal swab.

Effective Sept. 13, 2021, the policy requirement of 2 negative rapid antigen tests from 2 different days during the previous seven (7) days will be applied.

This is an asymptomatic test only. Health Services cannot use this test on anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19. If you receive a positive result from a Rapid Antigen Test, it is considered a ‘preliminary positive’ and you will not be allowed on campus.  You must then arrange for a follow-up PCR test within 24 hours by contacting your local Public Health Unit and/or booking an appointment at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The PCR test is needed to confirm diagnosis. 

Before coming to campus to access a test, please familiarize yourself with the College’s Vaccination Policy and follow the process for providing your proof of vaccination or exemption. You can access that information here.  

The tests are being offered at no cost to College Community Members who are required to access campus AND have received approval for a bona fide exemption. The test being offered is the Panbio Rapid Antigen Test Nasopharyngeal swab.

Effective Sept. 13, 2021, the policy requirement of 2 negative rapid antigen tests from 2 different days during the previous seven (7) days will be applied.

This is an asymptomatic test only. Health Services cannot use this test on anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19. If you receive a positive result from a Rapid Antigen Test, it is considered a ‘preliminary positive’ and you will not be allowed on campus.  You must then arrange for a follow-up PCR test within 24 hours by contacting your local Public Health Unit and/or booking an appointment at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The PCR test is needed to confirm diagnosis. 

Before coming to campus to access a test, please familiarize yourself with the College’s Vaccination Policy and follow the process for providing your proof of vaccination or exemption. You can access that information here.  

Please contact your respective College campus to determine the availability of on-campus Rapid Antigen Testing.

Pembroke Campus details can be found here.

Eligible College Community Members who must obtain testing at community pharmacies or alternate providers in order to gain access to a campus will be reimbursed for the cost of the RA test. Only the series of Abbott Panbio rapid tests are acceptable and must be accompanied by results validated by an authorized health care practitioner.

The policy requirement of 2 negative rapid antigen tests from 2 different days during the previous seven (7) days will be applied for those individuals who have an exemption and are required to access campus.

Employee Reimbursements for Testing

Reimbursements for eligible employees requiring the Rapid Antigen Test will be made through the Workday Expense Claim Process upon submission of valid receipt.  Upon presentation of a valid receipt for a Rapid Antigen Test, Managers will approve these expense claims for their employees as required.

Student Reimbursements for Testing

Reimbursements for eligible students requiring the Rapid Antigen Test will be made through the College’s Finance Department. Students must submit by e-mail to studentCOVID19test@algonquincollege.com with the following information:

• A valid test receipt displaying the student’s name, date and amount paid for the test (acceptable file formats include .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf or other common formats)
• Student number
• Current mailing address

Upon receipt of this information, a refund for the cost of the test will be sent to the current mailing address provided within two weeks.

For College Community Members required to attend in-person activities at a College location and have not achieved full COVID-19 vaccination, the following guidance must be followed:

• As of now: Those choosing to be unvaccinated will not be permitted access to campus – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
• Looking ahead to the 2022 Winter Term, all those planning/or required to attend campus in January 2022 should submit their proof of full vaccination or exemption attestation. During the holiday closure from December 24, 2021 and returning on January 3, 2022, delays in processing time should be anticipated.
• December 27: For those requiring access to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, this is the last date you can receive your second shot, meet the 14-day waiting period, and submit your proof of full vaccination. (If you anticipate returning to campus for the 2022 Winter Term, please upload your vaccination status in advance.)
• January 10, 2022: First day of the winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs. (For Apprenticeships with an earlier start date, you must have received your second dose and undergone the 14-day waiting period beforehand).

This policy applies to all College community members who attend in-person activities at the Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses and off-campus locations leased by the College such as Corporate Training Services at 700 Sussex Drive in Ottawa and Employment Services Offices operated by the College outside of Ottawa.

Please contact your respective College campus to determine the availability of on-campus Rapid Antigen Testing.

Pembroke Campus details can be found here

Location: Room 127, 1st Floor of Pembroke Campus
Phone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2748
Email:  klawitl@algonquincollege.com

Perth Campus

Health Services, See Front Desk Reception at Perth Campus
Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 7222
Email: HealthServices@algonquincollege.com

Ottawa Campus details can be found here

Health Services, Room C141 (1st floor, C Building)
Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 7222
Email: HealthServices@algonquincollege.com

The College has provided a detailed step-by-step guide ( click link here) for eligible employees who are unable to access free on-campus tests, and require reimbursement for an approved RA test.