69% of students boosted
A Freedom of Information request reveals 69 percent of student responses to the University’s latest survey confirmed their booster vaccination status
As of 17 January, a recent Freedom of Information request has shown that 69 percent of students who responded to the University’s recent vaccination status survey have received their third dose. This percentage equates to 8,470 students out of a total of 12,225 students who responded to a survey sent out via email at the beginning of this term.
The figure of 69 percent is above the national average, as the UK Government’s latest data shows that only 57 percent of eligible 18–34-year-olds have been boosted.
The results of the University’s latest survey cannot give a completely representative account of the number of students who have received their booster jabs, as only 60 percent of the student population (12,225) replied to the survey.
However, the University’s latest data on uptake for first and second doses of the vaccine shows that at least 95 percent of students (18,400 student responses out of a total 19,440) have received their first Covid vaccination, while 78 percent of students (15,070 student responses out of a total of 18,800) have received two jabs.
Despite the UK Government’s Plan B ending on Thursday 27 January, the University has decided to extend the current Covid-19 precautions for a further three weeks. These will be reviewed on 7 February.
As a justification for the University’s decision to not follow the government’s lead in relaxing restrictions, Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffery cited the recent “400 active student and PGR cases in York.”
With the number of cases rising in the student community, the current precautions will continue to be in place until at least 11 February. The wearing of face coverings in buildings will remain mandatory, unless exempt.
Students have been encouraged to continue testing themselves regularly and to inform the University if they record a positive test.
Charlie Jeffery told students: “Keep showing the community spirit you have demonstrated so far as we move through this current surge of cases.”
He added: “I cannot stress enough what an important role each and every one of us will play in the next few weeks to help keep the term progressing in the right direction.”
Students yet to receive their first, second, or third dose of the Covid-19 vaccination can attend the on campus clinic on Thursday 27 January.
