The Prairie Valley School Division has announced their plans for vaccination procedures for its staff.

Staff at schools in the Prairie Valley School division will be required to provide a proof of vaccination or provide a proof of a negative test.

Acceptable vaccination proof includes the card issued by the Saskatchewan Health Authority at the time of vaccination, a copy of a vaccination record obtained online through MySaskHealthRecord, records entered into the new digital SK Vax Wallet or a
letter of verification from a doctor or pharmacist in the province.

Director of Education Luc Lerminiaux says this is being done to protect the safety of the students. “When a large percent of our children are ineligible for vaccination we felt this was a prudent step to continue to provide the safest environment possible for our kids.”

Plans are still being finalized to provide testing for the employees who choose to go the testing route Lerminiaux says, he noted that the school division will likely cover the costs for a month or two before the employee would then have to assume the responsibility of the cost for the testing.

When it comes to the choice of receiving the vaccination, Lerminiaux says they are not forcing the employees of Prairie Valley Schools to get the vaccination if they choose not to. “We’re giving them the choice. We know and science has proven that vaccination is certainly a strong measure against serious illness and then testing is the alternative to ensure that when working with our students that we have some comfort that they are negative.”

The vaccine procedure  also applies to anyone who is interacting with students during school division approved activities.