Teachers, childcare workers to be made eligible for COVID-19 vaccine beginning Tuesday

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — Starting Tuesday, all teachers, childcare workers, and support staff will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Starting (Tuesday) all teachers in kindergarten, elementary, junior and senior high school will be able to get their shot,” Premier Jason Kenney said. “As well as child-care workers and school support staff like bus drivers, caretakers, educational assistants, and others.”

Roughly 52,000 teachers, 29,000 support staff, and 24,000 childcare workers are expected to benefit from the expansion.

WATCH: Premier Jason Kenney joins Dr. Deena Hinshaw to provide an update on COVID-19 in Alberta.

 

Kenney says he estimates about 60 per cent of all teachers and support staff have already been vaccinated through the first two phases of the vaccine rollout.

“I want to thank every teacher and everyone in the education system for their dedication,” he said. “You’ve worked to keep schools safe, and keep students learning even when going online and temporarily closing was the last, and best option.”

Kenney added he knows schools are like small communities, which is why the province made the choice to include all support staff in the expansion.

The premier finished off by saying that vaccine appointments will follow the honour system, and no proof of employment will be necessary to book a vaccine.

Immediately following the announcement, the president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Jason Schilling, had a short response to Alberta teachers being eligible for a vaccine.

“About time.”

Shortest press release of all-time, courtesy Alberta's Teachers Association reacting to vaccines being given to teachers. #yeg #yyc #ableg #covid19ab pic.twitter.com/u9yoXpAQCV

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) May 3, 2021