COVID-19 Vaccine Program: FAQs for Students
The information below provides additional details about Red Deer Polytechnic's COVID-19 vaccination program. For additional information about COVID-19 vaccines or provincial health measures, visit the Government of Alberta website.
Definitions
Coming to Campus
Vaccine Process Questions
Background Information
DEFINITIONS
Fully vaccinated means those individuals who have:
- proof of receiving two doses of a World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized for use by Health Canada in a two-dose vaccine series and at least 14 days have passed since the date on which the person received the second dose of vaccine OR
- proof of receiving one dose in a one-dose World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized for use by Health Canada series and at least 14 days have passed since the date on which the person received the one dose of vaccine.
COMING TO CAMPUS IN WINTER AND SPRING 2022 TERMS
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to come to campus?
- Full vaccination, with proof provided through a Red Deer Polytechnic-approved QR code (see Vaccine Verification Using the RDC Safe App for details),
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test, provided as per the personalized schedule each student will be provided in consultation with the Vaccination Program Office (see Rapid Testing for details), OR
- Proof of a Red Deer Polytechnic exemption (see Exemptions for details).
- Full vaccination, with proof provided through a Red Deer Polytechnic-approved QR code (see Vaccine Verification Using the RDC Safe App for details), OR
- Proof of a Red Deer Polytechnic exemption (see Exemptions for details).
Please note that new students will not be permitted the rapid testing option, as described in Rapid Testing.
Visitors to campus can find full details about requirements at Vaccine Program.
What if I am an online student? Do I still need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
For Winter and Spring 2022 Terms (January 1 to June 30, 2022), eligible online continuing, returning and new students, who are not fully vaccinated, may apply to Red Deer Polytechnic for an exemption to be excluded from the institution’s vaccination program. See Exemptions for details on steps that must be taken to apply.
Do I have to follow other safety measures like wearing masks?
Yes. Effective September 4, 2021, the Government of Alberta has made masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces regardless of a person’s vaccination status.
In addition to wearing a face covering, Red Deer Polytechnic has its own COVID-19 health and safety protocols which all on-campus visitors are required to follow.
Do I need to continue to use the SAFE RDC app?
The SAFE RDC app will still be used, but for a different purpose:
- Students and employees WILL need to complete the COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Daily Health Checklist on the SAFE RDC app. This is because of the other measures in place through Red Deer Polytechnic’s vaccine program.
- Students and employees WILL use the SAFE RDC app to upload their vaccine documents, Red Deer Polytechnic exemption or rapid test results, as described on the Vaccine Program webpage.
Are there consequences if I do not adhere to the vaccination program?
In the event a student submits a false or misleading declaration or confirms their status with a fraudulent immunization record or does not provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, disciplinary measures may be pursued under the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy for Red Deer Polytechnic.
VACCINE PROCESS QUESTIONS
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and are choosing to not receive a vaccination, you will need to complete the medical exemption request form.
Please note that completing the exemption request form does not guarantee approval of the exemption.
If I previously tested positive for COVID-19 and I received a recommendation to wait 90 days for my vaccination, what can I do?
Alberta Health Services recommends that individuals can receive their COVID-19 vaccination once a person is symptom-free. If you do not wish to receive your vaccination within this 90-day window, you can apply for a medical exemption from Red Deer Polytechnic.
Please note that completing the exemption request form does not guarantee approval of the exemption.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Why is Red Deer Polytechnic implementing a vaccination requirement program?
Please review Red Deer Polytechnic's COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Is my vaccine information confidential?
All personal information provided is confidential and will not be shared except as strictly required to enforce the policy. The requirement to provide proof of immunization, report vaccination status or provide proof of a negative rapid test is one measure Red Deer Polytechnic is taking in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of our community.
In accordance with Red Deer Polytechnic’s Information Access & Privacy Policy, your personal information will be kept confidential, and only used for the purpose(s) for which it was collected or authorized, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act of Alberta.
If you have questions about the collection or use of your personal information, please contact Red Deer Polytechnic's Access & Privacy Coordinator by privacy [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (email).
WCB Student Coverage identifies those students who are registered in and attending an academic program at a post-secondary institution, including Red Deer Polytechnic, are considered workers of the Government of Alberta. Workers' Compensation Board - Alberta provides resources about WCB and COVID-19 on their website.
Vaccination Program and Alberta Human Rights
For information for information related to COVID-19 and Human Rights, please refer to the Alberta Human Rights Commission website.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Red Deer Polytechnic has a duty to help keep its students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe while on its campuses. Red Deer Polytechnic is following COVID-19 recommendations from the Government of Alberta. Other post-secondary institutions in Alberta are also implementing a vaccination plan for on-campus students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Red Deer Polytechnic acknowledges that, in limited circumstances and in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Act, exemptions may be provided to the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Learn more about Red Deer Polytechnic exemptions.
What if I have additional questions?
Students who have additional questions can email vaccinationprogram [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (vaccinationprogram[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca).