As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out, here's what you can expect from BMO

Governments across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia are hard at work addressing complex challenges of securing supplies and setting up distribution networks to deliver vaccinations rapidly. We’re staying very close to government authorities and health care experts in communities we serve to make sure we’re ready to do our part to support those efforts.

BMO is taking a clear position and a proactive public stance in support of accelerating the pace of distribution that will lead to widespread vaccination. Public trust is at the core of any initiative of this size and magnitude. As vaccines become widely available, you can expect to see the bank’s leadership team advocating strongly for getting vaccinated as the best way to save lives and reopen the economy.

The resilience and flexibility shown by Team BMO throughout the pandemic has been inspiring. I particularly want to recognize the contributions being made by our colleagues serving customers and communities on the frontlines in branches and in offices supporting these transactions and advice. You are making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers with the work you’re doing each day. Everyone has been presented with significant challenges at work and at home, and we’ve come together to support each other at each turn.

As we prepare for this next stage it’s understandable that many of you have questions about what to expect next.

We’re committed to keeping you informed

Prioritizing science-based information that keeps you up-to-date on vaccine developments is our first priority.

We continue to work with medical experts and our government partners to receive the very latest guidance related to the safety, efficacy and necessity of vaccines, including:

• Up to date information, timely updates and answers to frequently asked questions on BMO Central’s Response Hub: our destination for all
• Ongoing bank-wide conference calls with medical experts
• Access to personalized medical consultations through virtual healthcare

We will support your decision to get vaccinated

Regaining a tomorrow that does not look like today requires widespread vaccination. Maximizing society’s defenses against the virus calls for those of us who can receive it to make our contribution to the greater good by getting vaccinated. 

While there is no plan for BMO to mandate employees to receive a vaccination, I strongly encourage you to receive it if you’re able; recognizing that some of our colleagues belong to groups with unique risk profiles around vaccines and may be unable to receive them.

When vaccines become available and it’s your turn, BMO will provide:

• Time & Flexibility – up to 3 hours paid time off, if required, to get vaccinated
• Support – through your workplace benefits coverage of medical costs associated with the vaccine such as administration fees not covered through public health or government agencies

When it’s my turn, I’ll roll up my sleeve

For months, it felt like the only actions we could take were to wear our masks, use tracing apps where they were available, and practice physical distancing. But soon we’ll have a new weapon in this fight. Just like wearing a mask and social distancing, getting vaccinated is about taking a permanent step forward to protect our friends, family and colleagues.

I’m a big believer in the efficacy and safety of vaccines. I take seriously my personal responsibility and civic duty to protect the most vulnerable in our society. So, when it's our turn, my family and I will be quick to line up for our vaccination.

Vaccination is more than a public health issue. It goes directly to the heart of our Purpose and our belief that we can and should do more. More than immunizing ourselves against a virus – this is about protecting our economy, our small businesses, and the livelihoods of millions of people.

Beating COVID-19 and putting the pandemic behind us will take everyone coming together to get vaccinated. I look forward to doing my part and you can count on BMO continuing to do ours.