The Yukon government has delayed the implementation of its vaccine mandate policy for the public service until Jan. 30, 2022.

That’s the brief version of the latest COVID-19 update provided by the government and public health branch this morning.

“The Government of Yukon is updating the implementation of the vaccine requirement for employees based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting chief medical officer of health (Dr. Catherine Elliott),” Premier Sandy Silver announced at the briefing.

With the new schedule, YG workers now will have to show proof of at least one vaccine shot by Nov. 30.

That was the original deadline for being fully vaccinated.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), however, has released new recommendations regarding the time interval between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Elliott is recommending the Yukon follow the new guidance from NACI, which recommends people wait eight weeks between doses of mRNA vaccines such as Moderna.

The longer wait between doses provides a stronger and more long-lasting reaction than the original four-week period most Yukoners will have been vaccinated under, Elliott told the briefing.

That means the majority of territorial residents possibly don’t have as much protection against COVID-19 as they could have, Elliott acknowledged.

The science at the time was followed, but was not as complete as what is currently available.

“All public servants, including teachers, as well as those who work in hospitals, long-term care homes, medical clinics and allied health care settings, along with employees of non-government organizations funded by the Yukon government to provide services to vulnerable populations, will be required to have their first dose of vaccine no later than Nov. 30 and their second dose no later than Jan. 30, 2022,” a news release stated.

“This will ensure employees and front-line health care workers who have not yet been immunized have enough time to receive both doses of vaccine before the new requirement comes into force.”

Silver continued to provide incomplete answers on what the consequences will be for public service employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

That’s still under discussion and being negotiated with unions such as the Yukon Employees’ Union and the Yukon Teachers’ Association.

Steve Geick, the president of the YEU, told the Star shortly after the news conference he was not impressed with what he heard nor the government’s approach to the policy.

“I received a phone call last night explaining what was going to be announced,” he said.

“They (the government) are speaking to us, not speaking with us. It’s not a consultation.”

Geick said he has met twice with Public Service Commissioner Paul Moore, but no progress has been made with the union’s concerns.

“The only answer I am looking for is whether there will be any punitive action against employees. We won’t accept that,” he said.

Instead, Geick reiterated that the YEU wants alternatives such as personal protective equipment, the right to work from home and regular testing to be offered to non-compliant public service workers.

That’s a question the government will not be pinned down on, he said, although he noted Silver has pointedly warned there will be consequences for not co-operating.

“We’re going to continue to look at our options over this,” Geick said.

He also said the YEU had no involvement in a petition signed by more than 2,300 people that was presented at the legislature Monday (see p. 4).

The YEU is supportive of a vaccine mandate that doesn’t punish public service workers, he explained.

Silver also touched on the ongoing flu vaccines program in today’s statement.

“We need to arm ourselves with the best protection we can,” he said.

“This means getting your flu shot as well as your COVID-19 vaccinations, wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, isolating and getting tested when you have symptoms, continuing to keep your bubble and your social gatherings small. We have enough vaccine for everyone, and every vaccine dose counts.”

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