Vaccination requirement continues for workers in high-risk settings in the Yukon

As of April 4, 2022, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be required for employees, contractors and volunteers working in high-risk settings in the Yukon.

High-risk settings include:

  • long-term care homes;
  • residential substance use programs;
  • hospitals;
  • shelters;
  • residential care for children and adults;
  • correctional centres;
  • Yukon government-operated community health centres; and
  • Yukon government-operated public health clinics, including the referred care clinic.

This requirement will apply to current workers as well as any new workers in these settings. In non-government high-risk settings, employers will continue to be required to implement policies for employees, contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated as appropriate for their settings.

The vaccination requirement in these settings remains in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable Yukoners who are at risk of severe health outcomes if infected with COVID-19.

Vaccine appointments can be made online at yukon.ca/this-is-our-shot. Whitehorse residents can also call 1-877-374-0425. Residents in rural communities can call their local health centre to book an appointment and can find clinic dates and times on Yukon.ca.

While we are fortunate to be in a position to lift public health measures, our top priority remains protecting the health and safety of Yukoners. We are taking the necessary steps to protect the most vulnerable Yukoners accessing services in high-risk settings along with the staff that serve them. I want to thank everyone working in these settings for their efforts over the past two years and their commitment to keeping our most vulnerable Yukoners safe.

Premier Sandy Silver

 People who work with the most vulnerable in our population have very special roles. With these roles comes a responsibility to protect those in their care from infection.  For the vulnerable, COVID-19 infection could cause severe illness and even death and the best way to prevent such an infection is vaccination of the vulnerable and those who are in close contact with them. By getting vaccinated, workers in high risk settings are not only reducing their own risk but also reducing the chance that they will transmit the COVID-19 virus to those in their care. Today marks two years since Yukon’s first COVID-19 cases and we have all weathered the ups and downs of this pandemic. We are in this together and we all benefit when we show kindness toward each other.

acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine 

Quick facts 
  • As of March 16, 2022, 95 per cent of Yukon government employees have attested to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • Effective April 4, the only public health measures in place will be the vaccination requirement in residential high-risk settings and designated Yukon government operated settings. 

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

 

Samantha Henney
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8321
samantha.henney@yukon.ca 

News release #: 
22-113