Thousands of teachers, support staff and child care workers in Airdrie and across Alberta are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The province made the announcement Monday as more shipments of the vaccine are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

"We know how challenging this pandemic has been on our front-line workers," said Premier Jason Kenney. "They have worked incredibly hard throughout this pandemic, continuing to teach and provide support for young people every day. By offering them the vaccine, we are making schools, daycares and communities safer throughout our province."

Aside from teachers, support workers such as educational assistants are also eligible for the vaccine, along with bus drivers, custodians and daycare workers.

Bookings for the vaccine will be available online, through 811 or at select pharmacies starting at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.

"Moving forward with vaccines for teachers, school support and administrative staff and bus drivers will add another layer of protection in schools so that students can continue safely learning in class to the greatest extent possible," said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.

The decision to vaccinate teachers is welcome news to the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) who has been fighting for months to have teachers considered front line workers.

President Jason Schilling was brief in his response to the news, saying in a release "It's about time."

 

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