Report on the Workplace Booster Vaccination for COVID-19

2022/08/26

As of May 28, 2022, Keio University has concluded its workplace booster vaccination program for COVID-19. We are pleased to report that the third dose was successfully administered to 6,461 individuals over a total of 12 days, including the 10-day period from March 22 to 31, and on May 21 and 28.

Immediately after Kohei Itoh assumed the office of President, Keio University administered vaccinations to approximately 35,000 Keio University affiliates and about 15,000 non-Keio students over 58 days starting from June 21, 2021. As a result, we believe we were able to suppress the fifth wave of infections during the summer of 2021 to a certain extent on each Keio University campus. In line with President Itoh's policy to "reclaim the campus life of Keio students that was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic," Keio University decided to implement the third workplace vaccination dose in preparation for the full-scale reopening of campuses from April 2022. Unlike the start of the workplace vaccinations last summer, the government shortened the vaccination interval twice from the original plan, and vaccination tickets were distributed earlier, allowing people to receive vaccinations sooner at large-scale venues or local government sites. Due to these factors and a strong tendency to avoid the Moderna vaccine due to concerns about side effects, the number of people wishing to be vaccinated at Keio University was lower than initially predicted. However, the booster vaccinations were completed safely without any serious health issues. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again for the tremendous support from the faculty and staff of Mita Campus, members of the Kobaikai, alumni of the Department of Nursing, and the Center for Infectious Disease and Infection Control.

Following the completion of the first and second workplace vaccinations last summer and this booster vaccination, as of the 2022 academic year, although there are differences depending on the educational objectives and policies of each faculty and graduate school, overall more than 90% of classes in the university are being held in person, and many students are leading vibrant lives on campus.

To ensure that Keio students can enjoy their student life on campus with peace of mind, Keio University has improved the environment by enhancing ventilation equipment in classrooms and taking sufficient infection prevention measures. At the same time, we are making further efforts to create new places for learning that utilize online classes, making full use of the knowledge gained over the past two years. As of July 2022, signs of a seventh wave are appearing due to the spread of the new Omicron subvariant BA.5. However, we intend to maintain campus life as much as possible while taking comprehensive and appropriate infection control measures based on the various experiences we have accumulated so far.

Through this workplace vaccination project, I have once again deeply felt the warmth and underlying strength of the Keio Gijuku Shachu who care for their juniors. Drawing strength from the precious support we have received from everyone, we intend to continue our diligent efforts while seeking new forms of education, research, and medical care in the post-COVID era.