Vaccine mandates for B.C. schools not out of the question: education minister

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — There’s currently no plan to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for people working in B.C. schools, but the education minister says the option remains on the table if cases continue to rise among kids.

On Monday, Minister of Education, Jennifer Whiteside reiterated that what happens in schools reflects what is happening in the community, and the key to stopping transmission is to get as many eligible people as possible immunized.

“With respect to vaccinations, I think we’re all very clear right now but the most important thing that we can do to protect schools, and to ensure that kids at school are safe — particularly those children who are not yet eligible for vaccination — is for the adults around them, the 12 to 17 group that is eligible for vaccination to get their shot,” she said.

“I will say again, if there’s anyone out there who has not yet had their shot — now is your time.”

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The BC Teachers’ Federation has said it would support requiring vaccination, as long as those who need exemptions are accommodated. However, the union has not been yet advocated for a mandate.

Whiteside said the union is reporting the rate of immunization among members is “very high.”

“We know that there has been considerable support from educators, school staff, districts, and school leadership, as well as trustees for our vaccination efforts.”

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Currently, Whiteside says the province is focused on implementing the policy requiring workers in health care to be vaccinated. However, she notes that order was based on “risk” in that sector, and the provincial health officer could make a similar move for education if similar levels of risk become apparent.

“I don’t think that public health is going to leave anything on the table, or not use every tool in their toolbox to manage this pandemic. Certainly, public health is monitoring the development of the situation with respect to schools and will make appropriate decisions in that regard.”

Whiteside also did not rule out a regional approach, noting that some health authorities have higher case counts and lower vaccination rates.

“Our safety plan for this year is based on the notion that we are going to see differences region to region — again linked to vaccination rates — and that regional health authorities, who are tracking the situation very closely, will implement further recommendations if they determine that’s needed.”

Q – back to mandates – New West looking what legal options are available to mandate all school staff be vaccinated & don't see outside of public health.@JM_Whiteside says public health will leave nothing on the table or not use every tool…#bcpoli #bced @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 4, 2021

Meantime, in New Westminster, the school board is looking into whether it can require proof of vaccination from employees.

“The motion that’s been passed by our Board of Education is about better understanding what our legal options might be when it comes to vaccinations,” writes Vice-Chair Dee Beattie in a statement.

“We may find there are no measures or options above what exists now, and we may find there are a few paths we could consider — that’s what we’re seeking clarity on.”