It is being billed as proof that vaccine policies work.
Western University and its affiliated colleges have announced that 98 per cent of its students and 97 per cent of its faculty and staff are vaccinated against COVID-19. Of students living in residence, 99 per cent have received two doses.
"These results are extraordinary. They speak to the strong commitment of our students, staff and faculty, along with a shared recognition of the importance of having a highly vaccinated campus," university officials said in a statement.
The post-secondary institution launched a mandatory proof of vaccination effort on August 26. It requires anyone wishing to access the school's campus to be fully vaccinated. Exemptions are in place for those with approved medical and Human Rights Code reasons.
Two weeks after proof of vaccination requirements were put in place, more than 46,000 people at Western have uploaded their status, with more coming in every day, according to the university.
"Those who have not yet submitted vaccination status are not permitted to be on campus and are required to provide their information as soon as possible," the statement from the university continued. "Achieving high rates of vaccination is one of the most important ways our community can be protected. And we accomplished this together."
News of Western's high vaccination rate quickly spread on social media, with Middlesex London's medical officer of health applauding the school's effort.
"Congratulations to Western University on this monumental achievement! Vaccine policy works," Dr. Chris Mackie tweeted on Thursday morning. "The vaccines are very effective, but not 100 per cent, so students still need to take precautions or we will have cases/outbreaks there. But this is a major leap forward in safety."
Just two days earlier, the university's president and student council president issued a joint statement to students warning recent large parties off campus could lead to the cancellation of in-person classes, extra-curricular activities, athletics should outbreaks of the virus flare-up.
