The GNWT has no mandate for teachers to be vaccinated against measles, according to Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland.
Cleveland said as much in the legislative assembly on Wednesday when Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins spoke about the recent outbreak in the city. Earlier this month, Yellowknife Catholic Schools declared both Weledeh Catholic School and St. Pat's High School had to close due to a confirmed case of measles within its area.
Hawkins said there are requirements for school-aged children to get their vaccinations and asked about requirements for staff and administration at educational facilities.
"Given the recent event and potential risk that could be applied to our loved ones, is the department willing to consider a vaccination mandate?" Hawkins asked.
Cleveland explained her department follows the direction of the territory's chief public health officer, who put in a vaccination mandate for teachers against Covid-19 during the pandemic.
For a mandate against measles, it would take something of that magnitude, she also noted.
"Outside of a public health emergency being declared, neither the Department of Education, Culture and Employment nor education bodies can mandate vaccinations or proof of vaccination for school staff," said Cleveland.
That said, Cleveland also recommended people get vaccinated to avoid situations like this. She added that she would be happy to take this conversation to other parties like the Department of Justice to learn more about how possible a mandate could be.
The NWT Health and Social Services Authority states that in Yellowknife, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a routine vaccine provided as part of the .
"If your child received regular check-ups and vaccines at Public Health between ages 0-18 months, they may already be vaccinated with MMR and protected against measles," the authority states.
According to Health Canada, a federal agency, the efficacy of a single dose of measles vaccine given at 12 or 15 months of age is estimated to be around 90 per cent. With a second dose, efficacy is almost 100 per cent.
