A Message from the President: Concerning the Start of On-campus Vaccinations for COVID-19 at Meiji University
Aug. 19, 2021
I would like to inform you that we have received approval from the central government and we will start on-campus vaccinations for COVID-19 at Meiji University from September 1, 2021.
All those who wish to be vaccinated including students, faculty and staff members of Meiji University, are asked to read the information entitled: “Announcing On-campus vaccinations for COVID-19 at Meiji University (5th Report) - Details of how the COVID-19 vaccinations will be carried out on site at Meiji University-” and follow the instructions set out there.
Please be reminded that these vaccinations are only intended for people who wish to receive them. Vaccination is not mandatory and there will be no negative impact on people who choose not to receive a vaccination. Also, please give full consideration to others and refrain from applying peer pressure to people who wish to remain unvaccinated.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the reasons why the university has decided to provide on-campus COVID 19 vaccinations and set out the timeline concerning preparations so far;
(1) Vaccination is considered to be the most effective measure to prevent infection. It also lessens the possibility of infections becoming severe if they do occur. This is especially important as currently there is no medicine that can cure the infection.
(2) COVID-19 infections are rapidly spreading to unvaccinated people and to those whose ages range from their 20s to 50s. People who move around a lot are also in this group.
(3) If we can accelerate vaccinations to such people, we could protect the entire community and by doing so achieve so-called “herd immunity” that could lead to the end of the pandemic.
(4) Therefore, on-campus vaccination is very important for society as a whole. In addition, it will help us all to return to a safe and vigorous campus life.
＜Preparation Timeline>
I do hope that the vaccinations will lead to the safe re-starting of face-to-face classes on campus and of study abroad programs and extra-curricular activities.
Those people who apply for vaccination are reminded that to be most effective the following points should be noted;
● The vaccinations are given twice, usually four weeks apart.
● At least two weeks are needed after the second dose before antibody protection fully develops.
● The Delta variant of COVID 19 is considered more infectious than the conventional Beta variant. The Takeda / Moderna vaccines used at the university’s site are regarded as effective in lowering the severity risk for the Delta variant. However, some studies also state that infection prevention may be less effective for other variants.
Please note, all Meiji students and staff members are kindly requested to continue to behave responsibly, even after being fully vaccinated. Please keep the following motto in mind, "I will not get infected and nor will I spread the infection to others."
I understand everyone’s frustration at not seeing a clear path leading to the ending of the spread of COVID-19 infections. We are all suffering from a sense of paralysis because of the restriction on our lives over a long period of time caused by frequent emergency declarations. However, we need to keep a positive attitude towards infection prevention measures and maintain sensible behavior patterns to overcome this pandemic.
We ask for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Kosaku DAIROKUNO,
President, Meiji University
All those who wish to be vaccinated including students, faculty and staff members of Meiji University, are asked to read the information entitled: “Announcing On-campus vaccinations for COVID-19 at Meiji University (5th Report) - Details of how the COVID-19 vaccinations will be carried out on site at Meiji University-” and follow the instructions set out there.
Please be reminded that these vaccinations are only intended for people who wish to receive them. Vaccination is not mandatory and there will be no negative impact on people who choose not to receive a vaccination. Also, please give full consideration to others and refrain from applying peer pressure to people who wish to remain unvaccinated.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the reasons why the university has decided to provide on-campus COVID 19 vaccinations and set out the timeline concerning preparations so far;
(1) Vaccination is considered to be the most effective measure to prevent infection. It also lessens the possibility of infections becoming severe if they do occur. This is especially important as currently there is no medicine that can cure the infection.
(2) COVID-19 infections are rapidly spreading to unvaccinated people and to those whose ages range from their 20s to 50s. People who move around a lot are also in this group.
(3) If we can accelerate vaccinations to such people, we could protect the entire community and by doing so achieve so-called “herd immunity” that could lead to the end of the pandemic.
(4) Therefore, on-campus vaccination is very important for society as a whole. In addition, it will help us all to return to a safe and vigorous campus life.
＜Preparation Timeline>
| End of May: | Meiji University started to study the feasibility of on-campus vaccination. |
| June 8: | The Government of Japan announced the details of on-campus vaccinations at universities. |
| June 23: | Meiji University completed the formalities for the government’s scheme and forwarded them to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). MHLW announced that the applications for the scheme exceeded their expectations and that supplies from vaccine manufacturers were insufficient. |
| August 13 | MHLW gave Meiji University official approval and notified us that we could start on-campus vaccinations from September 1. |
I do hope that the vaccinations will lead to the safe re-starting of face-to-face classes on campus and of study abroad programs and extra-curricular activities.
Those people who apply for vaccination are reminded that to be most effective the following points should be noted;
● The vaccinations are given twice, usually four weeks apart.
● At least two weeks are needed after the second dose before antibody protection fully develops.
● The Delta variant of COVID 19 is considered more infectious than the conventional Beta variant. The Takeda / Moderna vaccines used at the university’s site are regarded as effective in lowering the severity risk for the Delta variant. However, some studies also state that infection prevention may be less effective for other variants.
Please note, all Meiji students and staff members are kindly requested to continue to behave responsibly, even after being fully vaccinated. Please keep the following motto in mind, "I will not get infected and nor will I spread the infection to others."
I understand everyone’s frustration at not seeing a clear path leading to the ending of the spread of COVID-19 infections. We are all suffering from a sense of paralysis because of the restriction on our lives over a long period of time caused by frequent emergency declarations. However, we need to keep a positive attitude towards infection prevention measures and maintain sensible behavior patterns to overcome this pandemic.
We ask for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Kosaku DAIROKUNO,
President, Meiji University