TORONTO — An education advocacy group has asked Ontario to add COVID-19 vaccinations to the list of immunizations required to attend school in the province.
Annie Kidder, executive director of People for Education, wrote to Education Minister Stephen Lecce with the request on Sunday.
She said that it’s “vital” to require COVID-19 shots for eligible students as fewer than 70 per cent of those aged 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated, with school set to begin in two weeks.
Her letter suggested that COVID-19 be added to the list of diseases under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, which covers other conditions including polio, measles, mumps and whooping cough.
She said her organization also agrees with demands to make COVID-19 shots mandatory for school staff, and calls for provincial proof-of-vaccination certificates.