In mid-August, the Canadian government announced plans to make vaccination mandatory for airline passengers and employees. We now know exactly when this policy will be implemented.
In this post:
Canadian travelers will need to be vaccinated
As of October 30, 2021, all travelers on domestic commercial flights within Canada will need to be vaccinated (this also includes flight crews). This will also apply to cruise ship passengers and those on trains between provinces, but that’s probably less interesting to OMAAT readers.
This rule will apply to all travelers 12 years of age or older. For a short transitionary period (through November 30, 2021), those who are in the process of being vaccinated will be able to travel if they can show a valid negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of travel. Long term there will only be “very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated.”
This was first announced several weeks back, both as a way to protect Canadians, and also as a way to incentivize people to get vaccinated. Canada is one of the first countries in the world to add a requirement like this — the only other countries I know of with policies like these are Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Beyond that, we’ve seen some airlines, like Air New Zealand and Qantas, announce that vaccination will be required for passengers on international flights. That’s quite different, though.
Could we see a similar vaccine requirement in the United States?
With Canada implementing this policy, could we see something similar in the United States? While this had been discussed at some point in the past, last we heard it’s “not under consideration at this moment,” because the Biden administration feels that it would be “too polarizing for the moment.”
However, Biden is asking for airline employees to be vaccinated by December 2021, though airlines are at different stages with this. At airlines like United, almost everyone is vaccinated. Meanwhile at some other airlines, vaccination rates are only slightly higher than the population average.
Personally I’m just happy to see the United States soon ending its nonsensical travel bans, instead replacing them with a vaccination requirement for travelers.
Bottom line
As of October 30, 2021, Canada will require all commercial air travelers (as well as frontline airline employees) to be vaccinated. We haven’t seen many countries outright require vaccination to fly, so Canada is leading the way here, especially in the west.
Doesn't go far enough. We need to have proof of blood immunity. Us vaccinated folx can spread the disease in a much more insidious fashion, since they don't get so sick from it. I got vaccinated back in Feb and ended up with COVID in August...didn't realize it for a while.
So while us vaccinated folx have taken the first step, we only have weak, narrow-spectrum immunity (to spike only), and can still catch...
Doesn't go far enough. We need to have proof of blood immunity. Us vaccinated folx can spread the disease in a much more insidious fashion, since they don't get so sick from it. I got vaccinated back in Feb and ended up with COVID in August...didn't realize it for a while.
So while us vaccinated folx have taken the first step, we only have weak, narrow-spectrum immunity (to spike only), and can still catch and spread COVID, albeit with milder symptoms. For that reason, we need to catch COVID, quarantine ourselves for 2 weeks so that we can develop strong immunity, and then go out without fear of hurting others. It's the way to shore up the flaws of a narrow-spectrum, leaky vaccine, until we can develop better ones. I've caught my COVID. It's time for the rest of the vaccinated to step up to the plate and stop being silent spreaders.
It's dangerous to our democracy to have a group of people who refuse this little ask. They put the immunocompromised at risk. And without a blood test, we can't know if the vaccines really took.
If only the US would apply the same mandate. That would be awesome.
It's absolutely HILARIOUS the amount of people in the comments that believe the virus is a death sentence. STAY AT HOME and wear 9 masks. Let me tell you what NOT to do if you're that afraid -- FLY It's quite simple to protect yourself without having to involve anyone else. EUREKA!
It's quite simple to protect yourself (and everyone else around you) without having to involve anyone else, get a vaccine! EUREKA!
Yes! I hope that the US follows Canada’s example very soon.
What's funny about all of this is apparently NO ONE cares whether someone has had the smallpox vaccine, or measles or mumps or anything else. Why doesn't anyone have to show proof of vaccination for these diseases? Do we only care about the coronavirus....a disease so "deadly" that we have to be tested to even know if we have it!
We don't give smallpox vaccine anymore. It was eradicated because of the vaccine.
Lol
And measles? Ya, thought so.
MMR is required to attend school. Any other stupid fucking questions to solidify your moronic point?
Ya, since the article is about travel via airplanes and not about school (for reference, some people homeschool), I question why we don't have to show proof of other vaccinations. But thanks for replying about a different subject. Lolz
God damn you are moronic.
You must have went to those public schools with your level of education, lolz
So far, from the start of 2020 there have been 33 cases of measles reported world wide...at the same time, 237 million cases of covid. Perhaps that explains why we dont check for measles? There is good news for you though, with the help of experts like you we might just have to start checking for measles in the future, but as long as it's under control, we won't.
So as long as only some people die, it's totally ok. Got it! Also, since you're quoting statistics, I'm curious....for those that get, say, the measles (feel free to pick any real disease), what is the hospitalization rate for that particular disease. 5 people out of 10 with measles require hospitalization? 10 out of 10? And what is the same statistic for covid in unvaccinated folks. I know that's hard to estimate because you don't...
So as long as only some people die, it's totally ok. Got it! Also, since you're quoting statistics, I'm curious....for those that get, say, the measles (feel free to pick any real disease), what is the hospitalization rate for that particular disease. 5 people out of 10 with measles require hospitalization? 10 out of 10? And what is the same statistic for covid in unvaccinated folks. I know that's hard to estimate because you don't know you have it unless they test for it, but do your best!
John, 700,000 people in the US alone have died of COVID. If you don’t think that is serious then thermos something seriously wrong with you.
Again, not the point. So it's not OK to die from COVID and we should force everyone to show proof of vaccination for that, but we're all ok with people dying from other diseases? Some diseases are "more equal" than others, I suppose.
Yes, exactly right. Because your chances of dying are much higher with covid due to the number of cases. So yeah, i am are ok with the chance of dying from measles but not with covid.
John yeah what Wkc just said sums it up. It’s pretty simple to understand . . . for most people.
Ok let me see if I understand you John. You say that all of the 31 people who got measles all were hospitalized Ok. Not true, but ok let's pretend it is. Some may have even died, but less than 31 pd of them.
Of the 237 million who got covid so far, more than 20 million were hospitalized and almost 5 million died. And this is despite serious precautions and modern medicine that reduced...
Ok let me see if I understand you John. You say that all of the 31 people who got measles all were hospitalized Ok. Not true, but ok let's pretend it is. Some may have even died, but less than 31 pd of them.
Of the 237 million who got covid so far, more than 20 million were hospitalized and almost 5 million died. And this is despite serious precautions and modern medicine that reduced infection and mortality which would have been way higher if we did nothing. So, what was your point? Oh yes, you compared an almost non existant disease with a pandemic. Good for you!
John, it seems your mom dropped you on your head when you were an infant...... and then picked you up and did it again for good measure. Vaccines are what either eradicated or made negligible the effects of diseases that once ravaged mankind. COVID, as a new threat, is ravaging mankind at the moment. Not the diseases that you mentioned that have been either wiped out or controlled by .....GASP... VACCINES!!!
This is so stupid. Required for domestic but not international flights, what is the point?
This is awesome. One way to feel safer to fly especially for longer flights. I wish the U.S. would implement this too. Selfish unvaccinated people don't need to fly when they want to travel. They already overload all hospitals. When one refuses to get vaccinated, stay home and try to get better yourself.
Sorry to disagree…But feel STRONGLY that no one who is not vaccinated should be allowed to fly….period….it’s a perk you lose through selfish, narcissistic behavior. If you don’t want to get vaccinated and help heal the world, fine…but no movies, no travel, no job…your world (hopefully) will become very small by your choices or lack thereof.
Like I said earlier…totalitarians…thanks for proving my point Vic. Kind of like segregation.
Crazy stuff! Next thing they'll start asking for passports, tickets, visa, etc. They might even ask you about your luggage and for the purpose of your trip and where you're staying! When will this end?!
Last I knew those things don’t cause heart inflammation, palsy, blood clotting, etc…and yes I know several people who have been hospitalized getting the vaccine.
Fair enough. You know what else causes all these things and more, just more frequently? Covid19.
If you're holding off on a getting a vaccine because you want it to be 100 percent perfect with zero side effects then you should definitely keep waiting. For that matter you should probably stop driving walking, showering or doing anything because all those activities are far more harmful than getting a vaccine.
Again…you are another example of today’s leftist totalitarian….Pfizer study today announced 52% efficacy after 6 months! People should have a choice based on informed consent regarding their health choices with no penalty. That’s America. Mandated vaccines for a flu virus that has a death rate under 1% for the common good is communism… if you cannot understand the difference I cannot help you. How about you all move to another country for the common good?
No vaccine is 100% safe. The real question is, what % of the vaccinated get hospitalised for side-effects and what % of the vaccinated get hospitalised if they get COVID. I don't have the stats, but I would say both % are low. Hence, I'll take the risk of being vaccinated.
Canada's vaccine mandate will also apply to all airport employees. So, if you work at Starbucks in the sterile area at YVR, you'll need the jab.
@Ben
The mandate also applies to passengers departing Canada.
This vaccination thing in this situation is totally absurd… There’s so many breakthrough cases now for folks that are fully vaccinated – just look at the stats in Israel now Who is basically the only country that is doing a good job of tracking anything . Soon the vaccines will be worthless with so many new variance surfacing. Stop fooling yourself from the media propaganda. Start looking at the horrible side effects that are not...
This vaccination thing in this situation is totally absurd… There’s so many breakthrough cases now for folks that are fully vaccinated – just look at the stats in Israel now Who is basically the only country that is doing a good job of tracking anything . Soon the vaccines will be worthless with so many new variance surfacing. Stop fooling yourself from the media propaganda. Start looking at the horrible side effects that are not being reported… We’ve had two relatives that now have serious complications caused by the vaccine. Another close friend died with severe blood clots soon after taking the 2nd jab. We live in critical times when the government begins to control the way you travel with these type of mandates not to mention trying to make healthcare decisions for us.
Should totally listen to your couple anecdotes over the 700,000 dead and counting in the US
Yeah, if the anecdotes are even true.
How true…the negative effect on people’s lives ,children, and small businesses will last for years. I am glad the Nordic countries are waking up to the “endemic” this really is. I traveled in the early summer window to Europe and again in late August. There was NO FEAR of Covid in Athens, Paris, Rome or Florence. You would almost forget there was an issue…until the mandates and passes came.
JeffP, yes that negative effect will last for years . . . especially when they or their friends and family die of COVID. And yes the Nordic countries have woken up to this pandemic. Sweden now has 65% of its population vaccinated!
I know someone who had the vaccine and then two weeks later got a flat tire. No way am I taking that chance!
And I don't even own a car!
Lol, best comment yet!
I live in the UAE. We're front runners in terms of % of population being vaccinated. We were also one of the first countries starting to administer vaccines to the general population. The country opened up very early to all visitors, without the need of quarantine or being vaccinated. You only need a PCR test to enter the country. It has been like this since July 2020. We also test a lot. The government made...
I live in the UAE. We're front runners in terms of % of population being vaccinated. We were also one of the first countries starting to administer vaccines to the general population. The country opened up very early to all visitors, without the need of quarantine or being vaccinated. You only need a PCR test to enter the country. It has been like this since July 2020. We also test a lot. The government made testing cheap and actively encourages you to regularly test, especially when you feel ill. It is still required to wear a mask. Everywhere, also outdoors. Yes, in 45°C temperatures.
I'm not sure which of the above measures contributed the most to the current situation, but we are getting close to ZERO new cases. For a country that is FULLY OPEN. How is your country doing? Honestly:
- Wearing a mask: doesn't harm me, so why not?
- Vaccinating: Changes of side effects are limited, so why not?
- Regularly testing: Sure it's annoying, but at least you're informed and can protect others
- Social distancing: again, doesn't harm me, so why not?
I'm sorry for your friend who died of the vaccine. How many others do you know died from COVID or have gotten seriously ill?
Any policy that ignore natural immunity and mandates a leaky vaccine that does not prevent infection, is politically motivated and not based on medical science.
Your degree in medical science is from which institution?
Alan, that nonsensical comment makes me think your brain is “leaky”
Well said Ava...classic liberals are dying breed these days and todays progressive liberals are totalitarian instinctively, the rest of those that vote democratic are truly ignorant in worldview.
A dying breed is an excellent choice of words lol
JeffP Wow, requiring vaccines is totalitarian? Really? You are actually comparing life saving vaccine mandates to the labor camps, purges, and mass executions real totalitarian regimes use to control their populations? I have family that was unjustly imprisoned & killed by the Soviets and I take offense to your tone deaf and completely wrong comparison.
What about a us citizen in transit?
I want to know this as well.
Much like the US, Canada does not have sterile transfer at airports (they mostly do in Europe and Asia), so vaccination will still be required to fly through / connect in Canada.
Not true. YVR and YYZ do have sterile transit for international PAX except those traveling to the US.
@Ava Even those fully vaccinated are facing discrimination depending on the vaccine brand !
And soon those fully vaccinated will be discriminated against.
The goal post will just keep on moving. Israel is the best example.
Nope, just the anti-vaxxers...have fun making the strawman argument though
This new era of "show us your papers" is terrifying. I'm a liberal, I voted for Joe Biden (regrettably) and I'm fully vaccinated, but the mandates have to stop. I refuse to go anywhere that discriminates against those who can't get the vaccine, and we can't keep supporting this system.
I agree. I will only go to places where Covid is running rampant. I demand to breathe only virus-laden air. Anything else is a violation of my rights.
Are you really this obtuse?
How does it work for you if you travel out of the country? Are you exempt from having a passport? What about a drivers license? Insurance card? Tickets? Where do you live that you are able to be sans papiers for anything?
Who "can't" get a vaccine? Availability wise they are literally everywhere. If you're talking about medical exemption, you CAN get a medical exemption if you have a real medical condition (determined by your doctor, not yourself because "I can't breathe with a mask on").
If the Spanish Flu, or Smallbox, or any of the major pandemics in human history have had access to effective vaccines (which they unluckily did not have access to), do you...
Who "can't" get a vaccine? Availability wise they are literally everywhere. If you're talking about medical exemption, you CAN get a medical exemption if you have a real medical condition (determined by your doctor, not yourself because "I can't breathe with a mask on").
If the Spanish Flu, or Smallbox, or any of the major pandemics in human history have had access to effective vaccines (which they unluckily did not have access to), do you think they would not have required citizens to be inoculated to even leave their house? What do you think of pre-COVID vaccination requirements to attend school, such as yellow fever vaccines?
@ Ava, scary times indeed given how many people have bought into this worldwide nonsense. Peace
Oh come on Ava. You're not a liberal, you did not vote for Joe Biden and I'm betting you're not vaccinated either.
What does Biden have to do with this?
It’s the latest version of “I’m not a racist but…”
It's only polarizing for irresponsible red states who love to lecture about consequences of poor choices, but howl in protest when consequences apply to them. I fully support a vaccine mandate to fly into our state, or to travel into it. I'm sick of our hospitals being full of hordes of unvaccinated Idahoans.
Unfortunately we can't require this at a local level (only enforced quarantines) but I'd love to see it at a federal level.
Why don't they at least exempt those who were previously infected? If we need to enforce documentation, an anti-body test should be equivalent to a vaccine document.
Get the vaccine, it's not a big deal.
No, it IS a big deal.
Yes, it's a big deal that everyone get vaccinated. It will help us return to a world where, among other things, international travel is easy.
The act of going to get the vaccine is not a big deal. It's not a burden. It's really so, so easy.
The vaccines don't work for very long... 6 months now... and are becoming a straw man argument for the political true science deniers. You know the "Fauci" said crowd. Trump and Bidens policies have been a disaster. All you have to do is look at the cases in Israel or the UK. Testing is a much better safe guard in an airplane. I am vaccinated... but I would rather have natural immunity now not a booster.
@JeffP - This is very dumb and not at all grounded in reality.
I have read the research and statistics from Israel and UK. Vaccines provide some protection for 6 months…maybe 9 for some. Breakthrough cases are high…it’s all a straw man now. People are tired of being lied too. For people to lose their jobs over a flu with a less than 1% death rate for those under 70 years old is dumb and not rooted in reality.
Florida iss doing very well, Vermont not so much. What is ur point?
Florida is super amazing, 15K dead in Aug/Sep, vs. the same amount Jan-July. Heckuva job Desantis-y!
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan already require domestic travelers to be fully vaccinated.
@ Amer Akhtar -- Good to know, thanks! Will update the post to reflect that.
And Indonesia - probably the largest country requiring such.