Merritt teachers begin receiving vaccine doses

Lobbying from the Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union has paid dividends as teachers in Merritt have begun to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

Last week, Peter Vogt, the Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union President, sent a letter to the Interior Health Authority asking why teachers aren’t being prioritized in the vaccine rollout.

Vogt asked two questions; Why is the Interior Health Authority refusing to prioritize teachers as front-line workers? And, when will teachers receive vaccinations that make our schools and communities safer?

On Tuesday, Vogt received a call from School District 58 Assistant Superintendent Jameel Aziz to inform him at teachers in the district are now being vaccinated.

“Interior Health has set up vaccinations for teachers in Merritt. Some teachers were vaccinated yesterday, and more teachers will be vaccinated today and tomorrow,” said Vogt. “So, the plan basically is, any teacher that wants to be vaccinated will be able to by the end of the week.”