Ontario is taking further action to protect long-term care home residents by becoming the first province in Canada to make it mandatory for homes to have COVID-19 immunization policies for staff and to set out the minimum requirements that need to be included in these policies.

“Widespread vaccination within long-term care homes is the best way to protect residents, staff and their families,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We want to build on the success of our long-term care vaccination campaign to date. That’s why we’re leading the way with new measures to promote full immunization among long-term care staff.”

Under the immunization policies to be put in place at all long-term care homes in the province, each staff member must do one of the following:

Provide proof of vaccination of each dose;
Provide a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated; or
Participate in an educational program about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of not being vaccinated.
Homes will be required to track and report on the implementation of their policies, including overall staff immunization rates. The immunization status of individual staff members will not be shared with the province.

"The vast majority of long-term care staff have embraced vaccination to protect their residents. For those without medical issues who are still reluctant, a mandatory education program will be helpful to correct misinformation and alleviate their concerns," says the Ontario Long Term Care Association.

By encouraging more workers to get vaccinated, the likelihood of infections and outbreaks is reduced — which allows for additional easing of restrictions in homes and more opportunities for residents to enjoy activities that support their wellbeing and quality of life.

"Family Councils Ontario is pleased by the announcement of Ontario's new long-term care home staff member vaccination policy. This policy, the first of its kind in Canada and developed with input from operators, residents and family caregivers, enables the greatest possible vaccination uptake by home staff while ensuring that those who cannot receive a vaccine for medical reasons are respected. Today's announcement helps put at ease and shows respect for the families of Ontario's long-term care home residents who have been concerned about unvaccinated staff providing care to their loved ones and potentially putting them at risk for COVID-19 infection," says Samantha Peck, Executive Director, Family Councils Ontario.

source: media release, Ontario News