by: antonella artuso
the ontario government will require all long-term care homes to put in place an immunization policy for staff by july 1 but stopped short of ordering mandatory vaccinations.
under the new policy, long-term care (ltc) staff will need to provide proof of vaccination against covid-19, a medical exemption confirmed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, or take an educational course that discusses the benefits of vaccinations and the risks of not getting the jabs.
dr. barbara yaffe, ontario’s associate chief medical officer of health, said the policy gives workers a choice.
“this kind of policy, i believe, is based on policy that is used in some hospitals,” yaffe said monday. “it’s a good idea. it certainly makes sure that people have the information to make an informed decision.”
almost 100% of ltc residents have been immunized against covid-19, but the rate drops to 70%-75% in staff on average — with very low rates in some nursing homes, yaffe said.
“in terms of employees, you cannot require somebody to be vaccinated unless it’s a condition of hire, as i understand, but you can require them to provide proof if the policy of the institution is that they have a choice — vaccinate, exemption, education,” yaffe said. “i see this as a very positive trend.”