OSSTF against mandating COVID-19 vaccines; feels outreach, education are better tools
Posted Jul 27, 2021 03:18:00 PM.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) feels COVID-19 vaccines will be essential in keeping schools safe this fall, but doesn't think making them mandatory for its members will make a significant difference with uptake.
OSSTF president Karen Littlewood feels one-to-one outreach and education about the vaccines will be more effective in increasing uptake among members than mandating the jabs.
“Look how many people don't have a family doctor. A family doctor can really make the difference in encouraging someone to be vaccinated,” Littlewood told CityNews Ottawa's The Rob Snow Show on Tuesday.
She anticipates some members will refuse the COVID-19 vaccines, but adds those people will need to follow enhanced protocols such as continued mask-wearing and donning full personal protective equipment.
“If I'm going to make a personal decision that is going to effect the health and lives of others, I may need to take extra precautions,” Littlewood explained.
Littlewood adds while there was early priority access for some teachers months ago, the federation is unsure how many of the federation's 40,000 members have received their vaccines, due to privacy.
Listen to the full interview with Rob Snow below:
