TFW can get COVID-19 vaccine at Pearson

Apr 13, 2021

Workers coming into Ontario will be offered the vaccine at a clinic at the Toronto airport

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The government of Ontario is facilitating a program to offer temporary foreign workers (TFW) a COVID-19 vaccine upon arrival at Pearson Airport.

“Ontario is now in phase two of Ontario’s vaccination program which includes our essential farm workers, including temporary foreign workers,” Christa Roettele, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), told Farms.com. “As part of the measures Ontario has put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government is offering incoming farm workers the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine upon arrival in Ontario.”

A pilot program was held on April 10.

The government has now “set up a clinic at Toronto Pearson International Airport and a vaccination will be available to TFW before they leave the airport for transportation to their quarantine location,” Roettele explained. “The second dose will be offered through local public health in accordance with the provincial vaccination plan.”

TFW can choose if they want the vaccine at this time.

“Ontario is also working with consulates to provide information to TFW in their home countries before they travel. This information will prepare workers for making an informed decision about receiving the vaccine,” Roettele added.

“This step is part of our plan to make vaccines available to everyone who is living or working in Ontario in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and protect Ontario’s food supply,” she said. “It remains important that workers continue to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Quarantine arrival protocol still applies to TFW who receive the vaccine.

“Our government is working closely with our public health, municipal, provincial, federal and agri-food sector partners and the farming community to help protect workers and stop the spread of COVID-19,” Roettele said.

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