Dear student/prospective student,

As previously communicated, the UJ Council has resolved that all campuses and facilities will be mandatory vaccination sites from this year (2022). This outcome follows extensive communication and consultation with staff and students regarding the possibility of declaring UJ as a mandatory vaccination site. This process was guided by the principles of transparency, openness and accountability, including surveys for staff, students and Senate members, as well as seeking legal opinion. The outcome to declare UJ a vaccination site will ensure that the UJ community has safe access to learning, research, laboratory and clinical workspaces.

In terms of the process and the way forward, it means that students must be partially vaccinated and to have uploaded their Proof of Vaccination on https://ulink.uj.ac.za/ujvac by 14 February 2022. Partially vaccinated students will be conditionally registered, with access granted to the campuses or facilities. Accommodation in campus residences for partially vaccinated students will be allowed. Students are to be fully vaccinated and to have uploaded their Proof of Vaccination, using the same link, by 31 March 2022. Their registration status will be rendered unconditional, and their access cards will be activated for all campuses and facilities. Assistance for students having difficulty to submit their vaccination certificate, can be requested from +27 11 559 4555 or mylife@uj.ac.za.

On return to campuses and facilities, all precautionary health measures, including but not exclusive to physical distancing, wearing of masks, hand washing/sanitising, must be always observed. Prior to the abovementioned dates, the normal access protocols will need to be adhered to.

Prospective students will be informed at the point of final selections about the mandatory vaccination policy for access to the campuses or facilities. By signing the UJ registration agreement, as part of the online registration process at the commencement of the Academic Year, students accept the Mandatory Vaccination Policy and the Protocol requirements and consent to UJ verifying all relevant information pertaining to registration, including the student’s vaccination status. The infographics may assist to explain the process.

Students who do not plan to be vaccinated may, under exceptional circumstances, submit an application for exemption. Only medical or religious grounds will be considered.

• If the application for exemption is approved, the student will need to inter alia present each Monday (or immediately thereafter), a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (commonly referred to as “PCR” test) at the gate before being allowed access to any UJ campus or facility. The student can at any time decide to get vaccinated and submit their details via the online electronic system to gain access to campus or facilities.
• If the application is not approved, the student’s access card will not be activated for access to any campus or facility. The student’s conditional registration will be cancelled if not vaccinated by 31 March 2022.
• Should a student that has been granted an exemption subsequently elect to be vaccinated, Proof of Vaccination should be uploaded on https://ulink.uj.ac.za/ujvac.

For detailed information on applications for exemption, including the composition of the UJ COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Committee, medical and religious reasons thereof and documents required, please refer to the Mandatory Vaccination Policy: Implementation Protocol.

We once again remind our students who have not yet vaccinated that the Liberty Life  in Braamfontein and the  Netcare Milpark Hospital, which have been identified as UJ dedicated vaccination sites, remain open. The Logistics Department will provide transport to these sites as follows:

• Transport will only be provided on Mondays and Thursdays between 14h00 and 16h00.
• Requests for transport must be submitted a day before to the Health Services clinics on campus a day before so that proper transport arrangements can be made.

Those who may not be able to make use of these sites may choose any other available vaccination sites closer to their homes.

Below are some useful steps to receive your COVID-19 vaccine:

1. Register for the Covid-19 vaccine on the government’s EVDS system(https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/)
2. Visit the confirmed vaccination site on the date and time of your booking.
3. Take your EVDS SMS as proof of registration and your proof of identity (South African ID or passport) to the vaccination site. Alternatively,
4. Walk-in to any vaccination site to register and vaccinate.

Queries regarding the Mandatory Vaccination Policy or the Protocol may be directed to ujcovid19@uj.ac.za. Queries regarding the safety and efficacy of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, or vaccination more generally, may be directed to UJ Health Services.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in this effort as we work together to ensure that the University remains a safe place for everyone. Protecting our community requires all of us to do our part.

Issued by University Management
University of Johannesburg