March 6^th, 2021

The Province of Ontario continues to expand capacity and ramp up efforts under the phased roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in the Memorandum to Principals of Private Schools via email, "the province is moving forward with Phase Two of this plan which includes education and child care workers. Phase Two, which focuses on vaccinating populations based on age and risk is expected to begin in April and be completed by the end of July".

Vaccine prioritization for education and child care workers will commence with education and child care sector workers who works directly with children in both schools and licensed child care settings. Education workers as a group includes bus drivers who transport students. It is estimated that over 300,000 education and child care workers in schools and licensed child care settings would be eligible for early vaccination under Phase Two. 

"Local public health units are responsible for distribution of vaccines and will provide further information on how education and child care workers can access vaccines in their communities. Ontario is working with all public health units to plan and implement mass immunization clinics across the province."

"We recognize that education and child care workers have been on the front-line of this pandemic and have worked to keep our children, students and families safe and supported over a difficult time," said Minister Lecce. The government recognizes the importance of vaccinations for education and child care workers to support continued health, safety and well being for staff, children and families across the province. By vaccinating education and child care workers, the government is providing greater protection for the school and child care community. 

Specific guidance will be forthcoming to provide additional details of workers captured in Phase Two prioritization, he added.