UK’s Minister of State for Universities at the Department of Education promised to give Covid-19 vaccine for free to students pursuing studies in the UK.
The universities minister Michelle Donelan made the promise by writing an open letter to students thanking them for their patience at provisions introduced to tackle the spread of the virus.
The letter focuses on the movements of international students over the holiday period and the new term- with Donelan noting that some students may have to stay on campuses.
“We are delighted that you have chosen to study with us and look forward to welcoming many more of you to our world-class universities in future years,” she said in the letter.
“I understand that international students may have additional questions as we approach the end of the 2020/21 autumn academic term.
“Whether you are currently at your chosen university, are studying remotely from your home country, or plan to study here in the future, I am writing to you directly to provide you with support and guidance at this challenging time,” she added.
On Dec. 21, she also wrote a letter to all students outlining the guidance if they are still planning to return home for Christmas, including to and from Tier 4 areas.
The DHSC confirmed to The PIE that international students will “be able to access these vaccinations, just as they are able to access healthcare”, meaning older international students or those with underlying medical conditions will fall into priority categories.
“This vaccine, when combined with effective treatments, will form a vital part in making Covid-19 a manageable disease, hopefully allowing us to return to normality in the future,” said Health and Social Care secretary Matt Hancock said, following the vaccine’s approval.
“Where this is the case, it is [the] government’s expectation that HE providers should help to ensure you are well looked after,” she said.
“Students on all remaining courses should be offered online learning from the beginning of term so they can continue their studies at home, and should be asked to return to their university over a two week period from January 25,” she said.
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