Ontario Is Encouraging Students To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine, But It Won't Be Mandatory
Ontarians over 12 are currently allowed to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The provincial government announced on Wednesday that while they will be encouraging students to get vaccinated, it won't be mandatory.
In a press conference, Christine Elliott, Ontario's health minister, stated that getting a COVID-19 vaccine for Ontario students will require parental consent.
"As you know, many young people will require parental consent to have that vaccine or not. If the parents do not wish to have their son or daughter vaccinated, and that approval is required, it won't be forced upon them," she stated.
"We encourage people very strongly to receive the vaccine as soon as it's their time to protect themselves and their loved ones, but at this point, it will not be compulsory."
Health Canada has approved the Pfizer vaccine for children 12 and up. In a technical briefing on Wednesday, the Ontario government announced that they are looking to start getting children vaccinated by June.