On July 12, No College Mandates sent this letter to each of the eight Ivy League Presidents to alerts them to this article by Dr. Andrew Bostom entitled “Brown University’s Silence on Post-Vaccine Myocarditis”. Below is the response we received from Benoit Dubé, MD, Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by Andrew Bostom MD’s reply to Dr. Dubé.
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July 14, 2022
Dear Ms. McGary, Ms. Sinatra, and Dr. Bostom,
Thank you for your message regarding the COVID-19 vaccination requirement at Ivy League Universities. I am responding on behalf of the President, and other senior leaders you may have reached out to.
Throughout the pandemic, we have relied on guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), the CDC, and the American College Health Association (ACHA). Studies continue to show that the overall risk of COVID-19 without vaccination is far greater than the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 vaccination. As these studies have continued, researchers, including the American Heart Association, have found or stated that myocarditis after vaccination is mild with quick resolution of symptoms, which is worth the risk compared to the severe outcomes of COVID-19.
It is our collective responsibility to implement guidance and requirements to help protect Penn, our faculty, staff, and our surrounding West Philadelphia/Philadelphia community members. All institutes of higher education in Philadelphia County are required by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for their populations. Additionally, we do have a comprehensive process for those who seek religious or medical exemptions from COVID-19 vaccination.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our campuses and surrounding communities healthy and safe.
In good health,
Dr. Dubé
Benoit Dubé, MD
Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer
University of Pennsylvania
